Things are hotting up in the 2010 Pairs Championship, with just two weeks of matches to go before the four semi final places will be decided. Martinez de Irujo and Beroiz are virtually assured a safe passage, having lost just one game, but there are five couples in with a realistic chance of grabbing on of the other three spots. It is crunch time: who will sink and who will swim? The game of the week is that on Sunday between Irujo and Beroiz, and Olaizola II and Mendizabal II. Last time they played it was enthralling, as a storming comeback by Olaizola fell just short. The Asegarce pair need a result here if they are to emulate their performances of the last two years in this competition. Here is the table as it stands (courtesy of Manista):
Friday 19th February, St Jean de Luz
22:20 (CET) CHAFEE – ZEARRA v LEIZA – PENAGARIKANO
23:30 (CET) GONZALEZ – LASKURAIN v SARALEGI* – APRAIZ^ Pairs Championship
*Saralegi replaces Olaizola I, ^Apraiz replaces Patxi Ruiz
Saturday 20th February, Pamplona
18:00 (CET) TITIN III – PASCUAL v BENGOETXEA VI – OTXANDORENA* Pairs Championship
*Otxandorena replaces Beloki
Sunday 21st February, Eibar
17:00 (CET) RETEGI BI – CECILIO v URRUTIKOETXEA – IZA* 2nd Tier Pairs Championship
18:10 (CET) MARTINEZ DE IRUJO – BEROIZ v OLAIZOLA II – MENDIZABAL II Pairs Championship
*Iza replaces Argote
To watch, visit https://www.eitb.eus/television/etb-sat
This week’s other Pairs Championship match is on Monday 22nd February (17:30, Tolosa) and is between BERASALUZE VIII – BEGINO and XALA – ZUBIETA