Francisco Larrañaga
| Txikito de Iraeta | |
|---|---|
 Txikito de Iraeta | |
| Full name | Francisco Larrañaga Albizu |
| Born |
14 September 1913 Cestona, Guipúzcoa |
| Country | Spain |
| Province | Gipuzkoa |
| Debut date | 1931 |
| Position | Forward |
| Singles | |
| 1st Hand-Pelota singles championship | 1940 |
Francisco Larrañaga Albizu, known as Txikito de Iraeta is a well known Basque pelota retired player, winner of the 1945 1st Hand-Pelota doubles championship.
Early life
Larrañaga was born in Cestona, on September 14, 1913. He resided with his family in the Iraeta neighbourhood, from which he took his nickname.
Professional career
In 1941 he reached the finale on the 1st Hand-Pelota doubles championship, along with Miguel Gallastegui Txikito de Iraeta participated in hand-pelota category during the 1930s and 1940s. He made his debut on 1931, but his best years as player were given between 1937 and 1942. On August 11, 1940 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. but they lost to Onaindia and Urcelay.
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 singles championship
| Year | Champion | Subchampion | Score | Fronton |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1940 | Atano III | Txikito de Iraeta | 22-08 | Gros |
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.
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