Basque pelota blog in english – Dos paredes

Sataurday 11^th February, Barcelona

OLAIZOLA II – BEROIZ beat BERASALUZE VIII – ALBISU 22-10

Pairs Championship

Aimar Olaizola and Mikel Beroiz continued their utter domination with yet another barnstorming win, as the Pairs Championship went ‘on tour’ to the packed Vall d’Hebron fronton in Barcelona. Their victims on this occasion were the oft very solid pair of Pablo Berasaluze and Jon Ander Albisu, who despite their every effort were no match for the runaway leaders. The underdogs took the first two points, but Aimar then stamped all over them, surging to 9-2 with immense artistry. A rare error from the great forward gave Berasaluze and Albisu a glimmer of hope, and they added two points, but again the favourites took total control and went on to lead 17-4. Olaizola, who is better now than ever he has been in his stellar career, was immeasurably fine but equally impressive was Beroiz, who did not miss a single ball. He covered the fronton with supreme authority and defended the left wall with total efficiency. It is easy to forget that he is still just 22 years old. This pairing is an irresistible combination of proven greatness and staggering youthful prowess. Olaizola recently declared that ‘we are professionals and it is our obligation to win’, and win they will unless someone can come up with a master plan to break through their frightening solid defences.