The grand final of the Manomanista Championship, set to take place this Sunday at the Navarra Arena, has been the central topic of debate in a special program by Deportes COPE Gipuzkoa, broadcast from Ordo Zelai Sagardotegia in Oiartzun. Journalist and Head of Sports at COPE Gipuzkoa, Marco Antonio Sande, led an in-depth analysis alongside journalist Mauri Idiakez and a highly authoritative voice, former player and current material selector, Martín Alustiza. The conversation focused on an unexpected final, pitting the Riojan Darío Gómez against the Gipuzkoan Iñaki Artola.
The absence of the two main favorites, Jokin Altuna and Unai Laso, has turned this final into a historic event that will crown a new champion. Martín Alustiza celebrated this circumstance: "It's a totally unexpected final, but it's good for pelota; there will be a new manomanista champion, and that is always historic." As recalled by Mauri Idiakez, Altuna's 22-8 defeat against Darío himself in the league phase was the key moment that eliminated him from the 'txapela' contention.
“"It's a totally unexpected final, but it's good for pelota; there will be a new manomanista champion, and that is always historic"
For Iñaki Artola, this is his second consecutive final, and the third he has reached. Mauri Idiakez pointed out that "pelota owed him a final" after an injury prevented him from playing in 2021. The journalist is convinced of his chances: "If Artola plays at 70% of how he played against Laso, he will win the final." Alustiza, for his part, highlighted the importance of the aggression Artola showed from the start in the semifinals.
“"If Artola plays at 70% of how he played against Laso, he will win the final"
Regarding Darío, Alustiza praised his "extraordinary conditions" for this modality, stating that "physically he is a powerhouse" and "he has everything needed to play mano a mano." However, he noted that Darío struggles more to finish points in the doubles modality. The Navarra Arena fronton, with a ball having "a lot of exit," might slightly favor him, although he faces a significant handicap: Darío has never played in the Navarra Arena, a factor that could add to his unease.
As the material manager, Martín Alustiza confirmed that the players were satisfied with the chosen balls. "If you see the players testing the balls, and they don't make any strange faces or look at me sideways, it's a good sign," he commented. The discussion also touched upon the transformation pelota will undergo next season, with a new team competition system.
The full analysis of the Manomanista final can be heard again on the Deportes COPE Gipuzkoa podcast. The program airs live from Monday to Friday, from 15:25 to 16:00.
