Euskaraz irakurri: Goitia eta Basque debutarien garaipenak aukerarik gabe utzi ditu Erik eta Minvielle

Alex Goitia and Thibault Basque have debuted with victory in the Eusko Label Winter Series 2023-2024. Their rivals on the 3rd day of the championship, Erik Mendizabal and David Minvielle, have suffered their second defeat in two games and have been left without a chance in the tournament.

The victory of the red couple has been overwhelming, 15-13 and 15-12, but also very hard work and very physically demanding. The 2,000 people who packed the Jai-Alai in Gernika, which posted a “no tickets” sign, stood up and cheered the four protagonists at the end of the match. It was no wonder, today was, without a doubt, the best match played to date.

Mendizabal and Minvielle were forced to add after the defeat suffered on the first day against Goiko and Lekerika, also by two sets to zero. They have tried and have earned something more, but by losing the first set the match has become very difficult for them.

The first goals of the first game already announced a very close match. Goitia has started failing in the serve and that has made him lose confidence on the pitch, but Markina’s team has recovered, helped by a great Basque at the back, and has ended up being the best of the game with truly spectacular goals.

After an even start, with up to six draws until reaching an 8-point tie, the set has begun to lean towards the red side at 12-9, but Erik and Minvielle have managed to tie it at 12 points. With the set open and the level of the four pointers on the court it was difficult to point to a winner. Finally, it has been Goitia and Basque who have withstood the pressure best and have taken the game by 15-13. A tough and demanding set, in which a total of 300 balls.

Second and last set

This result has put Erik and Minvielle against the ropes, forced to win the second game to continue with options in the tournament. This second set has been as fought and demanding as the second, with up to seven ties on the scoreboard. Goitia, now regaining confidence in her serve, has also achieved some of her best shots. The stands have vibrated with Markina’s.

In the end, and after a new tie at 12 points, the game and the match have been for Goitia and Basque. Bizkaino and lapurtarra thus add four points while Mutriku and Iparralde say goodbye to all their options with two games played and zero points in their locker.

See calendar and classifications of the Eusko Label Winter Series

Source: Eitb

Kingston

Kingston is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.