Pelota on ETB Sat, 15th-17th April: PAIRS FINAL

After over three months of competition, the Pairs Championship has come down to a final between the two pairs who were predicted to be there all along. The only fly in the ointment of the perfect final is the cruel absence of Barriola through injury. The best defender of the tournament by a long chalk, he has been exemplary throughout, but it is now down to Beroiz, who comes in to play the biggest match of his career, to help steer Xala to the title. In their way stand Olaizola and Begino, who started the tournament in the blaze of glory and assurance, only to suffer a dip mid way. They came good again in the semi finals, and as the more established pair must surely be the favourites. In the course of the tournament they have beaten Xala and Barriola twice, and this will only fuel their confidence. The new Bizkaia fronton in Bilbao will be a riot of colour and noise for one of the biggest days of the pelota year. Don’t miss it.

Friday 15th April, Soraluze

22:10 (CEST) ONGAY – ARRUTI v JAUNARENA – MERINO

Followed by LASKURAIN v IDOATE

Sunday 17th April, Bilbao

17:00 (CEST) RETEGI BI – PASCUAL v OLAETXEA – PATXI RUIZ

Followed by OLAIZOLA II – BEGINO v XALA – BEROIZ* Pairs Final (*Beroiz replaces Barriola)

To watch, go to https://www.eitb.eus/television/etb-sat/en-directo

Mikel Ezkerro