Julián Retegi facts for kids

Julián Retegui Barbería, also known as Retegi II, was born in Eratsun, Navarre, Spain on October 10, 1954. He is a famous former player of Basque pelota. Many people call him "El mago de Eratsun," which means "The wizard of Eratsun" in Spanish. This is because he is one of the best Basque pelota players ever. He played as a foreplayer, which is a position in the game.

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 at the Cinema frontón (a special court for pelota) in Zarautz (Gipuzkoa). He teamed up with another player named Juaristi. They lost their first game by a score of 22-21 against Azorena and Etxeandia. Just one year later, in 1975, he won his first big championship, the 2nd Hand-Pelota singles championship.

A Champion's Career

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

He also won the Spanish Championship in pairs (doubles) several times. These wins were 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 at the Ogeta Frontón in Gasteiz.

After this last win, he started having more injuries. Because of these injuries, he didn't win any more championships. He played his very last match on September 20, 2001. This game was at the Adarraga frontón in Logroño. He played with Barriola against Olaizola II and Armendariz, losing 18-22.

In total, Julián Retegui II won 22 major prizes during his career. This makes him the player with the most wins in the history of Basque pelota. He played about 1,407 matches and won 843 of them.

Life After Playing

For several years now, Julián Retegui has been working for Asegarce. This is a company that focuses on Basque pelota. Karlos Arguiñano, a famous chef, is also a partner in this company.

Julián's son, Julen Retegi, has also become a professional pelota player. Julen started his career in the same town as his father, Zarauz. However, he played at a different frontón called Aritzbatalde in July 2005. Julen plays under the name Retegi Bi. "Bi" means "two" in the Basque language. He uses this name to honor his father, who was known as Retegi II. Even though he is the eighth player in their family's pelota history, he chose "Bi" to pay tribute to his dad.

Championship Wins

1st Hand-Pelota Singles Championship

Retegi II first played in this championship in 1979 but did not win. One year later, in 1980, he reached the finals and won against Maiz II. This victory marked the start of his amazing career. He reached the finals every year from 1980 to 1993, winning the championship eleven times.

2nd Hand-Pelota Singles Championship

1st Hand-Pelota Doubles Championship

Cuatro y Medio Euskadi Championship

See also

In Spanish: Julián Retegi para niños