Francisco Larrañaga
Francisco Larrañaga Albizu, known as Txikito de Iraeta (born 14 September 1913, date of death unknown) was a Basque pelota player, winner of the 1945 1st Hand-Pelota doubles championship.
Txikito de Iraeta | |
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![]() Txikito de Iraeta | |
Full name | Francisco Larrañaga Albizu |
Born | Cestona, Guipúzcoa | 14 September 1913
Country | Spain |
Province | Gipuzkoa |
Debut date | 1931 |
Position | Forward |
Singles | |
1st Hand-Pelota singles championship | 1940 |
Early life
Larrañaga was born in Cestona on 14 September 1913. He resided with his family in the Iraeta neighbourhood, from which he took his nickname.
Professional career
![](../I/Pelotariak_1941-03.jpg.webp)
He made his debut on 1931, but his best years as player were given between 1937 and 1942. On 11 August 1940 he played in Gros fronton the first professional hand-pelota singles championship of the history against Atano III, who defeated him with a final score of 22–8. In 1941 he reached the finale on the 1st Hand-Pelota doubles championship, along with Miguel Gallastegui, but they lost to Onaindia and Urcelay.. He participated in hand-pelota category during the 1930s and 1940s. In 1942 participated again on the hand-pelota 1st championship but lost to Gallastegui, in 1945 replaced Onaindia in the 1st Hand-Pelota doubles championship, pairing up with Lazcano due to that he suffered an injury during a regional tournament. Txikito de Iraeta and Lazcano won to Atano IV and Atano VII on the finale with a final score of 22-21 .
Championships
1st Hand-Pelota doubles championship
Year | Champion | Subchampion | Score | Fronton |
---|---|---|---|---|
1940-41 | Onaindia - Urcelay II | Txiquito de Iraeta - Gallastegui | 22-18 | Gros |
1945 | Txiquito de Iraeta (2) - Lazcano | Atano VII - Atano IV | 22-17 | Gros |
Legacy
The fronton located in the neighbourhood of Iratea, Cestona is named after him Txikito de Iraeta Fronton.
References
- "Francisco Larrañaga Albizu "Txikito de Iraeta"". Kultur Arte-Ondarearen Artxiboak (in Basque). Retrieved 6 July 2010.