This unprecedented achievement for the two experienced pelotaris will culminate on Sunday, April 26, at the Moderno trinquet in Bayonne. They will face Iker Espinal, the reigning champion, and Battitta Ducassou, a prominent figure with eight individual txapelas. The match is scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM.
“"We weren't in any predictions. They hadn't given us the opportunity to play in the First Division until now."
Both players moved from Bizkaia to the Iparralde circuit, building their path to professionalism from the amateur Third category. Ugarte was called by the Eskupilota firm after winning the Second Division Individual Championship for the second consecutive time and partnered with Peio Larralde, the top forward, who suffered a hand injury. It was then that Ziarrusta, who was in the silver category, was called upon. Ekhi mentioned that he had decided to “hang up his gerriko” in Iparralde in 2026 during Christmas, but this achievement “rounds off” his career.
“"It's the icing on the cake and shows that we can be at this level with the top players."
The favorites for the txapela are the pair Espinal-Ducassou, whom Ziarrusta describes as “the most complete pair.” Ugarte, for his part, warns that their chances depend on “playing at 100% and them not having their best day,” emphasizing the importance of making Battitta uncomfortable. Both agree that they have “nothing to lose.”
The presence of three pelotaris from Hegoalde in the final is unusual. Ziarrusta highlights the distance as the main obstacle but stresses that this demonstrates the level and future of the sport. They call for more promotion, as many left-wall pelotaris could be competitive in trinquet. Their journey dates back to 2018 when, thanks to Kepa Arroitajauregi and Mikel Larralde, they joined the Hendaia club to play as amateurs in the Third category, rising to win the most prestigious amateur txapela and securing a spot in Élite Pro.
“"We are not brothers, we are a marriage."
After a decade together, it seems like “destiny” that they are playing this final. Both aspire to be role models, showing people that there is a path in trinquet where one can play at a good level, earn money, and enjoy being a pelotari. They remember figures like Arroitajauregi and Ander Martín, who always championed this modality.
