Julián Retegi facts for kids

Julián Retegui Barbería, known as Retegi II, is a famous former player of Basque pelota. He was born in Eratsun, Navarre, Spain, on October 10, 1954. People often called him "The Wizard of Eratsun" because many consider him one of the best Basque pelota players ever. He played as a "foreplayer," which means he played closer to the front wall.

Julián is the nephew of Juan Ignacio Retegi, another great pelota player known as Retegi I. Julián became interested in Basque pelota when he was a child. Before becoming a professional player, he worked as a stonecutter and in the wood industry.

His professional career began on July 14, 1974. He played his first match in the Cinema frontón (a special court) in Zarautz (Gipuzkoa). He teamed up with another player, Juaristi, but they lost their first game. Just one year later, in 1975, he won his first big title: the 2nd Hand-Pelota singles championship.

Retegi II holds the record for winning the 1st Hand-Pelota singles championship more times than any other player. He won this important title an amazing eleven times! This includes winning every year from 1980 to 1988, and then again in 1990 and 1993.

He also won the Spanish Championship in pairs several times. These wins happened in 1988, 1990, 1991, 1995, and 1997. His last major win was on December 13, 1997. He won the Basque Championship of 4½ against Titin III in the Ogeta Frontón in Gasteiz. After this, he faced some injuries and didn't win more titles.

Julián Retegui played his final match on September 20, 2001. This game took place in the Adarraga frontón in Logroño. He played with Barriola against Olaizola II and Armendariz, losing 18-22. In his career, he won a total of 22 prizes, making him one of the most successful players in Basque pelota history. He played around 1,407 matches, winning 843 of them.

After retiring from playing, Julián Retegui started working for Asegarce, a company that also has Karlos Arguiñano as a partner. Julián's son, Julen Retegi, also became a pelota player. Julen started his career in the same town as his father, Zarauz, but at a different frontón called Aritzbatalde in July 2005. Julen plays under the name Retegi Bi to honor his father. "Bi" means "two" in Basque, which was Julián's playing number.

Championship Wins

Julián Retegui II won many important championships during his career. Here are some of his biggest achievements.

1st Hand-Pelota Singles Championship

Retegi II first played in this championship in 1979. He didn't win that year, but he came back strong. In 1980, he reached the finals and won against Maiz II. This victory marked the start of his incredible winning streak. He made it to the finals every year from 1980 to 1993, winning the championship eleven times.

2nd Hand-Pelota Singles Championship

Retegi II won this championship early in his career.

1st Hand-Pelota Doubles Championship

Retegi II also excelled in doubles matches, winning this championship multiple times with different partners.

Cuatro y Medio Euskadi Championship

This championship is played in a smaller court area. Retegi II showed his skill in this format too.

See also

In Spanish: Julián Retegi para niños