Torneo Bankoa Abanca – DV
The clash of promises between Ituarte-Gabirondo and Bilbao-Bernaola opens at 11:30 a.m. on the last day of the round of 16
The round of 16 of the ABANCA-DV Bankoa Tournament comes to an end this afternoon in Elorrio, where four couples will take to the field ready to win the last two free places for the quarterfinals. The promises open the program: Faben Ituarte (Atxondo, 2004) and Arkaitz Gabirondo (Gaztelu, 2004) against Igotz Bilbao (Urduliz, 2004) and Aingeru Bernaola (Mañaria, 2004). Next up will be the seniors: Gaizka Karregal (Galdakao, 1999) and Julen Aizpuru (Asteasu, 1998) against Jorge Fernández (Fuenmayor, 2002) and Ekain Lizeaga (Astigarraga, 2003).
After exhibiting punch in the first round match in Bergara and in subsequent events such as the Olazar Tournament in Zaldibar, Ekain Lizeaga, 19, calibrates the power of his forehand. Karregal and Aizpuru make up an experienced couple with rennet to endure. They have experience in the amateur field and defensive springs that they must put into practice. Asteasu’s defender covers his last participation in a tournament reserved for the under-24s.
Jorge Fernández, son of former professional manista Dani –also founder of the Aspe company–, stands out for his spark. He clears the ball off the left wall very well with his left foot. La Rioja ball needs new values to fill the gap left by Titín, above all, and Merino II. Good server, the one from Fuenmayor is one of the mainstays of the new generation.
Fernández and Lizeaga are called to dominate a good part of the rallies… if Karregal and Aizpuru don’t finish finding the left wall for Astigarraga’s defender. The Galdakao striker will also need inspiration.
The regulars of the tournament presume a match balanced in promises. Ituarte handles the left foot and Gabirondo, coming from a segalaris lineage, has two hands and plants. On the rival side, Bilbao played with nerve and intention in the Municipal de Bergara supported by a reliable Bernaola. A priori it is not clear where the rally can break.
El viernes, a Azkoitia
Meanwhile, more than one and two balls eagerly await the start of the quarterfinals on Friday at 9:00 p.m. at the Gurea de Azkoitia. The combination of promises has raised expectations: Oihan Etxeberria and Eneko Beloki against Mikel Aranbarri and Arkaitz Eskuza. Color forward and color back.