The player from Alicante, alongside the Canarian Sara Díaz, was crowned the world champion in women’s doubles in Denmark. She emphasizes that the notion pétanque is a sport only for the elderly is simply not true, describing it as fashionable and enjoyable for anyone who gives it a try.
Aurelia Blázquez Ruiz, known as Aure, was born in Alicante on April 13, 1970. She picked up pétanque at a very young age, just eight, growing up amid a neighborhood called La Tombola and a family with deep pétanque roots. Her father, Damian Blázquez, was a notable figure in the province and in Spain, and both her mother and siblings played the game as well. Aure married in 1994, left her partner for 13 years to focus on motherhood and family, and returned in 2007, when international success began to follow.
She earned bronze at the European Trios Championship held in Slovenia in 2010, became European champion in Turkey in 2014, and claimed the world title in Thailand in 2015. Last Sunday, she added the women’s doubles world championship in Denmark to her collection, marking her as a two-time Spanish champion and a member of the Club League. A personal move to France for emotional reasons also yielded success, including two silver medals and one bronze medal at the European Club Cup.
How did she begin playing pétanque?
Her father already played the game when she was born, making pétanque a family tradition. Aure started at eight years old, with her brother and mother also taking up the sport. She and her mother became teammates, and every Sunday they competed in tournaments across the province. It was a weekly ritual of shared time and community.
Over the years, she reached the pinnacle as a European and World champion. After a long pause, she returned to the world stage and claimed another international crown. Was it a special moment?
Yes. After winning the world title seven years later, she doubted she could win again. She had even stopped competing regularly. Three years ago, she reached the Triplet World Cup in Cambodia, only to be eliminated in the last sixteen. Two years prior, in Almerimar, she lost in the quarterfinals while still chasing medals in singles and doubles. At fifty-two, the thought of stepping away seemed plausible, but then a call came, and she found herself back on top with a doubles gold.
Was the World Cup full of surprises?
Indeed. France did not podium for the first time in its history. The tournament was played on a surface that rewarded precise, taking-and-drag shooting, which rattled favorites like the French Darodes, the defending world champion. Switzerland and Norway advanced to the final, another unexpected turn, and she herself lost a close match, 13-11, to Thailand. The event was filled with surprises from start to finish.
Nonetheless, Spain shone in women’s doubles, delivering a remarkable tournament. They were defeated by the hosts Denmark in the final rounds but claimed victory in every other match, ousting Thailand in the quarterfinals and convincingly defeating Italy and Malaysia to clinch the title. It was a standout performance across the board.
Did the champions see themselves as world champions the moment they defeated Thailand?
Yes. After the triumph, they recognized their potential and the opportunities they could still seize on the global stage.
Spain also achieved a historic outcome in this World Cup, earning three medals and two championships. Javier Cardeñas and Sara Díaz earned two golds in doubles, while Jesús Escacho achieved individual success and helped secure a silver in mixed doubles. The presence of young talents like Jesús Escacho and Sara Díaz signals a bright future for the sport.
There is pride in seeing younger players emerge with strength and skill. The sport’s future appears assured as fresh talent rises to meet high competition levels.
Petanque is not a sport reserved for the elderly. While older players have long been part of its tradition, a growing number of youths participate at all levels. In the province of Alicante, regular courses and training sessions draw new enthusiasts, and pétanque has become a trend as demonstrated by broader international participation in recent World Cups.
However, making a living from pétanque remains a challenge. Few sustain careers solely on pétanque in Spain or abroad. Some players work in municipal roles, then compete on Thursdays or during tournaments, balancing day jobs with their passion for the game. In France, known as the cradle of pétanque, many top players combine employment with their sport, which helps maintain their competitive edge.
Was the move to France motivated by finances?
Not initially. It began as a personal matter after meeting a Monaco women’s coach. The relationship grew, and she moved to France, where she found employment at a large plastics company involved in sterilization for hospitals. The job supported her personal life and allowed her to elevate her pétanque game substantially.
How does she balance training with work and study?
Training is flexible. She works either morning or afternoon shifts, and when she returns, she trains two or three times a week. She often trains with friends, yet when alone, she dedicates at least an hour to practice, which keeps her skills sharp and consistent on the court.
What would she tell people who have never tried pétanque?
Just give it a go. If possible, team up with someone who can coach and guide you. Get three balls, and start playing. The joy of the game tends to be contagious, and the more you play, the more you’ll feel hooked. Anyone who tries pétanque usually falls in love with it, and the bug keeps pulling them back to the lane.