Basque pelota blog in english – Dos paredes

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