The Antzuola pelota player Xabat Askasibar has had a successful career in adapted pala, achieving promotion in the singles category and playing in the final of the Gipuzkoa Open doubles. Now, he faces a new challenge in Azpeitia, partnering with Eneko Sagarmendi, whom he deeply admires.
“"Tomorrow I will partner with Eneko Sagarmendi; I compare him to Julian Retegi."
Last weekend, the Zumarraga final, broadcast live on ETB1, saw him compete alongside his partner Hodei Asteasu against Lander Ortega and Eneko Sagarmendi. Despite the defeat (20-15), Askasibar finished with the feeling of having played a good championship. After the final, he dedicated his efforts to his grandparents, his family, and his coach Iker Manso, as well as to his professional hand-pelota idols Julen Martija and Jokin Altuna, and his distant cousin Aitor Elordi.
As Askasibar explained, the adapted pala circuit is structured into three color-coded levels: red, white, and blue. After winning his first singles tournament in the red category, he has been promoted to white, and will now play the doubles championship with a blue category player, Eneko Sagarmendi. He describes Sagarmendi, who lives in Zumaia, as a kind of wall, who enters a lot from the air and performs masterful two-wall shots and drop shots. He compares him to the great master Julian Retegi, who has won 21 txapelas.
Hand-pelota has always been Askasibar's sporting specialty, but Aimar Larrea, a monitor at the Haize Berri association, encouraged him to play pala. Despite initial doubts, he began training with his fellow townsman Iker Manso and has found satisfaction in this new modality. His goal for this first year is to take it easy and enjoy himself, for which he practices breathing exercises and follows Iker's advice. He is a great sports enthusiast; as a child, he practiced cycling and hand-pelota, and currently also plays for the Arrasate Rugby Taldea.
Regarding his daily routine, he works mornings from Monday to Friday at Goizper, and on Monday and Wednesday afternoons he goes to the Gureak factory in Eibar. In addition, he also takes time to watch videos, play video games, and read books.
