Txik-Txak-“Zula”, Benny, and player thoughts.

I take great pleasure reading the blog “Txik Txak Zula” every time it is updated. It provides the American and English speaking fans something we have not had in a long time, and that is information from the Basque land written in English. I would of not known the pairings if it was not for this blog, it is truly jai alai gold. I also like the opinions he shares and how he puts a personal perspective on what he sees. He simply just doesn’t report the action, but gives you his true opinion on what he sees. I love it.

The recent blog was a wonderful piece on the match between Goiko/Alberdi III and Egi/Felix. Without seeing this match I would like to share my comments. If you would like to read it you can find it at the Fronton homepage or here: http://txik-txak-zula.blogspot.com/.

I think Mark T. has a great point; a true number one seed should have the two best players, no? Isn’t that how a seeding system works? If Goiko and Enbil have won multiple world championships together, don’t they deserve the right to keep defending the crown until they are defeated? If they have lost, then fine, but if they continue to win they should have a right to defend IMO. Punishing Goiko just because he is dominating is not fair IMHO. To say that he should win this championship with a below average back is not fair either, obviously Goiko’s whole strategy changes when he has to compensate for a weak back, the blog clearly mentioned that Alberdi III could not handle the heat from Egi and Felix. Even the best players from every era had players that they were uncomfortable with, maybe with the exception of Boli, who seemed to win with everyone.

As far as the balls go, I have watched Goiko throughout his career and probably could argue that I have seen as much as him than anyone, and he can play with any ball, on any court, against any talent. After a multitude of singles and doubles world championships, dominate tourney play in the states, and just sheer brilliance day in and day out at Miami, against an incredible roster, I am not under the impression that he has a lot to learn. Just some thoughts…………………………….

I talked to Benny a couple weeks ago on the phone and what a great guy. Very open and honest about everything he is doing and he seemed like a regular, everyday guy. I told him that I would keep everything off the record, but let’s just say that Dania has the perfect man for the job, and they should really look into expanding his role.

Couple of player notes before I close:

Aitzol is steadily improving. He has always had great power but his catching has vastly improved and he now has great decision making and placement on his remates. He has a number of kills from each side and he is very powerful.

Aritz in the early games really isn’t fair and that says a lot considering the early talent. He is so smooth and just systematically took those guys apart yesterday.

Enrique may be playing his best jai alai of his career. He is catching everything and is making a lot better decisions and actually trusting his backs.

I was all over Garro in game 9 Monday, just had a weird feeling and he was overlooked big time on the trifecta and exacta wagering. He got to game point with some great catching, then Aragues came up and threw a perfect rebote carom on a ball that was hugging the side wall to dash my hopes. Errrrrrrrrrrrrrr! ;)

When Berekiua gets the left side rebote he just absolutely crushes it! Lately, many of them have flown off the court however.

Gallardo is in great form lately and like I have said many times, just perfect left side form.

That’s all guys! Bye bye from Jai Alai!