Saturday, October 19, 2024, 00:57
Peio Etxeberria began the Cuatro y Medio quarterfinals with authority this Friday in Azkoitia. The Navarrese striker showed his most solid version to score his first point. He made the difference with Aitor Elordi, who was only able to control the situation in the early stages of the fight. The moment Zenotz’s man took the serve, he lowered the ball and played perfectly to the Biscayan’s left foot to completely deactivate him.
The one from Mallabia needed to be aggressive and take a step forward to have a chance against last year’s finalist, but he could only put him on the scene for the first five goals. The one who dressed in blue remained calm when they painted coarse, and when he had his opportunity he played his tricks to perfection. He served well, took the center of the court, gave speed to the ball and kept his rival uncomfortable. He knew perfectly well what his weak point was and insisted again and again. Elordi managed to hold on to the match until it was tied at eight, thanks to the fact that he served aggressively, but he committed two fouls due to the risks he took.
In the second half of the match he had to suffer. Peio Etxeberria had the situation very under control from the first shot, while the Colorado player barely had any opportunities to take a step forward to be able to get in the air and take out his weapons. Nor did he have much luck with the judges, who did not see a ball hit Etxeberria’s legs after his drop shot, nor another that hit the line on a tight serve from the Navarrese that was a foul.
In Soria
Despite everything, Zenotz’s team was better than his rival and finished stronger because he had the situation under control with a very consistent game and forced the Biscayan too much in defense.
The first match of group A will be played today (5:15 p.m.) at the La Juventud de Soria fronton. Jaka faces Zubizarreta III in a duel in which the one from Lizartza starts as a favorite – the money will be 100 to 60 in his favor. His rival arrives more confident after winning two matches and without any pressure. He is in the limited quarterfinals for the first time and knows that he will have to suffer due to the level of the contenders, but Ataun’s player is not satisfied with just playing it. In the match that will open the festival, Agirre will have Expósito as a rival in the Cuatro y Medio promotion.
