Imanol López, the puntista from Zumaia, will not easily forget what he experienced yesterday at the Aitzuri fronton. Last October, he announced his intention to retire and that he would play his last professional match at home. At the Zumaia Master Series cesta punta festival, held around the Santelmo festivities, López threw his last balls to the front wall.
Not only did he play, but he also had the opportunity to win the tournament. Alongside his partner, the forward from Ispaster (Bizkaia) Aritz Erkiaga, he defeated the pair formed by Jean Olharan and Unai Lekerikabeaskoa in two sets. As soon as the last point was scored, emotions overflowed. First, he embraced friends and fellow pelotaris who participated in the final, and then he received an endless ovation from the fans who filled the stands of Aitzuri.
After the awards ceremony, there was also an emotional surprise: a mariachi band took to the court at Aitzuri. Invited by a friend who acted as a commentator in the final, fans from the stands also came down to the court to show their gratitude to López and take some photos with him.
“"It's over. It's been another day at the office, but this was the last one. I've had good feelings. In the final, we also showed a good level, and to finish like this, at home, with such warmth and with mariachis... What more could I ask for?"
The great champion could not have been happier to have won the last tournament he played. López admitted that winning is what he likes most in life, and when that happens, he feels much better. He was aware that yesterday was a special day and that he would receive a tribute from friends and citizens related to the sport, but he did not have high expectations. He wanted Mexican music for the end, and that's what he got, complete with mariachis.
He also stated that he would have no trouble adapting to his new life. From now on, he will experience pelota in a different way. "From tomorrow, I will be Imanol again. On the fronton, when I dressed in white, I was López, but outside of here, I will always be Imanol," he added.
The media outlet Guka will offer a special program on Thursday to mark the farewell of puntista Imanol López. It will feature the opinions of several friends who have shared cesta punta with López.
