Iván wins Individual championship after Tonet IV's withdrawal

The Ontinyent player secures his first title after Tonet IV injured his knee while leading the Xeraco final.

Generic image of a pilota valenciana ball in a trinquet.
IA

Generic image of a pilota valenciana ball in a trinquet.

Iván Esparza has been crowned champion of the raspall Individual this Sunday at the Xeraco trinquet, following the withdrawal of his rival, Tonet IV, due to a knee injury.

The final of the raspall Individual had an unexpected outcome. Iván Esparza, a player from Ontinyent, has won his first title after Tonet IV, from Genovés, injured his knee while leading the match 10-5. The Ontinyent player had a chance to equalize (30-VAL) when the action that ended the duel occurred.
Tonet IV and Iván were replaying the most prestigious mano a mano final of the discipline for the fourth consecutive year. The reigning champion had started strongly, but during a play, he twisted his knee and had to leave the court. After attempting to resume the match with a bandage, he realized he could not compete and decided to withdraw.

We hope Tonet IV recovers soon and can return to compete at the highest level.

Thus, the title has passed to Iván, who sees his great championship run rewarded. The final leaves a bittersweet taste among fans, who were hoping to witness another chapter in the current great rivalry of raspall. The crowd in Xeraco gave Tonet IV a warm ovation, while also acknowledging the merit of Iván, the new Individual champion.