Monday, October 21, 2024, 12:05
Jokin Altuna arrived at Astelena de Eibar this Sunday well and without excuses, and he showed it in the first game of the Cuatro y Medio league. The one from Amezketa got rid of Artola after a very consistent match in which he made his rival extremely uncomfortable in the second half. Unlike the previous edition, the champion scares us from the beginning.
He showed his intentions as soon as he started with a sotamano to return in which he got ahead of his opponent’s serve, although he later chose to return with a bounce. Artola grabbed hold of the clash when he managed to keep Aspe’s man away from the front and hit the ball at the time of the shot (2-4). But it was his own errors, especially with his left foot, that caused Altuna III to begin to open a gap in the light that allowed him to reach the halfway point of the contest with a six-point advantage (11-5).
However, when it seemed like he had the situation under control, Artola changed tactics. He looked for more and better air play and his first blow helped him spice up the clash. A pass from Altuna III helped him, but he moved the ball perfectly and his hook hurt. The one from Alegia reacted at the best moment. He went from being unfocused because his opponent wouldn’t let him settle to getting fully into the confrontation.
But the champion did not flinch. He waited for his opportunity and everything was rolled out for him. It came after the fourth ball with the hook that Artola sent out. The one from Amezketa took the serve and with the ball he liked shattered the one from Baiko. His first shot was much more effective than in the first half, and in a situation like this he knows how to move perfectly. He opened more angles, had Artola moving and finished as usual.
Melee
Thus began the run of eleven goals that was endorsed by the one dressed in blue. The one from Alegia couldn’t stop what came at him. Altuna III accepted the melee with the air game and emerged victorious. The rally was reduced and the clash entered into a dynamic that was difficult to vary. Before the second mandatory break was reached, Artola’s botillero, Iker Iriarte, asked him to take more risks in search of a surprise. He tried but his hook went down. At this point he was already quite shaken and Altuna III gave a rush that helped him close the match unceremoniously.
In the Cuatro y Medio promotion match, Larrazabal was much superior to Murua (22-5). The speed of his blow dislodged the Gipuzkoan.
