The Bankoa ABANCA – El Diario Vasco Pilota Txapelketa opens the round of eight this Friday at the Frontón Gurea in Azkoitia, featuring a three-match card that marks the entry of female pelotaris into the tournament, diariovasco.com reported.

Ibarrola and Mendizabal Open Women’s Competition in Azkoitia

The 21:00 local time start brings Ainzane Ibarrola and Nora Mendizabal to the court for a four-and-a-half women’s individual match. Ibarrola enters the bracket with prior semifinal experience from the previous edition at the Atano III fronton in Donostia. Her gameplay relies on pace, aggressive striking, and court coverage designed to force opponents into constant lateral movement.

Mendizabal counters with the defensive profile of a regular back-court player in pairs competition. She enters following strong weeks of form, relying on rally consistency and length. The match tests whether Mendizabal’s defensive stamina can absorb Ibarrola’s attacking speed over the shorter four-and-a-half distance.

Aldaz and Elola Face Etxaniz and Beroz in Promesas

The second match pairs Pablo Aldaz and M. Elola against Julen Etxaniz and Aimar Beroz in the Promesas category. Aldaz, born in 2008 and representing Buruzgain, brings defensive resilience and court positioning. His partner Elola arrives as a finalist in this season’s Dinastía Etxabe tournament in Zumaia.

Across the court, local favorite Julen Etxaniz, born in 2009 and playing for LAPKE, draws support from the Azkoitia crowd. Etxaniz relies on right-handed power and aerial volleying. Aimar Beroz, a 2008-born back-court player from Gazteleku based in Andoain, provides two-handed consistency from the deep court.

Beitia and Erkiaga Meet Apaolaza and Ormaetxea in Sub-25

The concluding Sub-25 fixture pits Bingen Beitia and Antón Erkiaga against Xabi Apaolaza and Aratz Ormaetxea. Beitia arrives after winning the San Miguel de Oñati tournament, featuring a high-pace serve and a sharp hook shot.

Erkiaga steps in for Adrian Azpiroz due to work commitments. Per tournament regulations, Erkiaga enters as the player who was eliminated in the previous round with the highest score, representing the club Joko Alai.

Apaolaza, a left-handed forward from Hernani, brings an aerial left-handed volley and corner placement. Ormaetxea, born in 2007 and playing for LAPKE in Bergara, rounds out the opposition with defensive security.

Friday Night Schedule at Frontón Gurea

The festival gets underway at 21:00 on Friday, October 16, at the Frontón Gurea in Azkoitia.

• 21:00 h – Women’s four-and-a-half: Ainzane Ibarrola vs. Nora Mendizabal
• Elola vs. Etxaniz – Beroz
• Third match – Sub-25: Beitia – Erkiaga II vs. Apaolaza – Ormaetxea