Libaak and Alfonso, into the quarters... and the World Cup? | OneFootball

While Spain already has its final squad for the Qatar World Cup, in Argentina that list is still proving difficult to make official. And that, inevitably, affects the performances of those hoping to wear the albiceleste and defend the world crown. The best example? Tino Libaak and Gonza Alfonso, two players who at the Rotterdam P2, just as they did in Madrid, have shown their credentials.

Today they will fight for another place in the semifinals against the world number ones, Agustín Tapia and Arturo Coello. But to have that chance to dream, they first had to come through a battle against two Spanish players who will not be in Qatar and who sent a message to the national coach last week at the FIP in Lyon.

In three sets and after more than two hours of play, Libaak and Alfonso managed to eliminate Javi Leal and Fran Guerrero (7-5, 3-6 and 6-4). A statement win and a warning to Reca and Ovide. They want to be at the World Cup and they are going to fight for a spot that is highly sought after, alongside other candidates such as Maxi Arce, Juan Tello or Sanyo Gutiérrez.

Source: Premier Padel

No surprises, but a few scares

The rest of the day was marked by the dominance of the ranking and the absence of surprises. The main title favorites came through their opening match in the Dutch event without too much trouble. However, on the women’s side, it was a more eventful day, with some unwanted setbacks.

The most worrying was Carmen Goenaga’s, who after receiving medical attention was unable to continue. A situation that halts the pair’s rise after being crowned champions in Lyon last week. And a scenario that makes their goal of qualifying for the Premier Padel Finals in Barcelona more difficult.

On the positive side are Jensen and Escacena, who will be in today’s quarterfinals despite being a makeshift pairing following Tamara Icardo’s injury, which will also keep her out of the next tournament in Germany. And the other big news came from Bidahorria and Riera, who managed to beat Guinart-Alonso (6-3, 6-7 and 6-3).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.