Spanish Petanque Autonomous Communities Championship returns to Alicante province after 15 years
The recent Spanish Petanque Autonomous Communities Championship brought a wave of energy to Alicante, marking a significant return after a long pause. The event showcased a diverse pool of players, with the Valencian Federation guiding a large contingent drawn mainly from Alicante. The championship drew strength from more than 300 participants representing 17 autonomous communities, competing across multiple divisions and both genders. The atmosphere was electric as clubs and athletes prepared for a weekend of intense competition that highlighted the sport’s depth and regional pride.
After a 15 year gap, Antonio Arcas, president of the Spanish Petanque Federation, welcomed the revival of a national stage in a city as vibrant as Alicante. The lineup spanned various levels, including honors, first national, and youth categories, ensuring representation from both male and female competitors across multiple divisions. The project linked years of tradition with a fresh energy that resonated with veterans and newcomers alike.
The event took place at the Hotel Poseidon and the Guardamar Beach facilities, transforming a weekend into a hub of pétanque activity. The venue welcomed players, coaches, managers, and a devoted audience. The slopes, arranged near the hotel, provided a dramatic backdrop as Spain’s top players, world champions, and silver medalists took their places. The competition promised high-quality play and memorable moments as participants demonstrated technique and strategy that captivated spectators.
The tournament offered substantial prize incentives that underscored pétanque as a viable sport for serious competitors. A notable highlight was the anticipated performance of Jesús Escacho, a player who has gained recognition for his achievements. The prize pool and high stakes attracted many teams to the event, contributing to a dynamic weekend of pétanque that tested nerves and skill alike.
The honors division delivered a thrilling narrative, with Valencia Federation squads emerging as strong contenders in the youth category. The teams included Adrián Ponce, Marcos Pérez, and Óscar Rocamora from Club Petanca Rojales, alongside Ismael Sencianes, Eusebio Salgado, and Rafael de Castro from nearby clubs. The Elche Petanque Club also featured prominently, entering the finals with a record that spoke to its consistency. The eventual winners faced a tough path through elimination rounds, overcoming Murcia in a dramatic semi-final to claim the top position. Catalonia secured third, with the Balearic Islands in fourth. Madrid and Cantabria followed in fifth and sixth, illustrating a tightly packed field at the front of the standings.
The competition also highlighted the strength of the Valencia youth team, gathered under the guidance of coach EFF. The combined effort of players and management illustrated the depth of talent available in the region and laid a path for continued development in the sport. The senior men’s division saw the Valencia regional team featuring Manuel Higinio Romero, Álvaro Muñoz, Francisco Jiménez, Ramón Asensi, and David Salgado. Other notable clubs included Elda Vergel Petanque Club and Petanque Club San Antoni de Vall d’Uxò, where the squad delivered a solid performance that culminated in a podium finish for the region.
The competition also included a strong showing from the women’s teams. A squad assembled by Crevillente Petanca Club featured Esther Rodríguez, María José Sánchez, and Esther Pena, along with Sabrina Antón from Vergel Petanca Club, María Dolores Benadero from Aspe Petanque Club, and Ana María Durán from San Vicente Petanque Club. Although the women’s team finished just outside the podium, they secured a commendable fifth place and demonstrated resilience in a field that included several top-tier teams. The results reflected the breadth of talent across the autonomous communities, with Catalonia taking the lead in the women’s competition, followed by Balearic Islands, Madrid, and Andalusia. Murcia, Asturias, and Galicia rounded out the lower half of the table, with several teams earning opportunities to compete in the First National in subsequent seasons.
The event culminated with a statement from the federation president, who confirmed Alicante’s status as a national hub for pétanque and announced plans for the upcoming season. The championship venue in the city of Alicante will host additional stages later in the year, with Elda’s Vergel Petanca Club set to host the final leg. The season will also bring national duplet matches and top-tier men’s categories to the region, reinforcing Alicante’s role in Spain’s pétanque landscape and offering a solid platform for players to showcase their talents in front of passionate home crowds. This return to Alicante signals ongoing growth for the sport and a bright future for regional competition in the country [Source: Valencian Federation].