We compiled the best of what padel left us in 2016
The best of padel in 2016.[/caption]
PADEL: THE BEST OF 2016
2016 is drawing to a close, and it's time to take stock of the best and worst of the year. For padel, it could be said that it has been a very prolific year. We've had everything: spectacular launches, great tournaments, unforgettable points, unexpected news, star signings... 2016 has given a lot to our favorite sport. That's why we've taken a few minutes to compile the best of this year.
Do you want to know what has been the highlight of 2016? Here we go!
FERNANDO BELASTEGUÍN, 15 YEARS AT THE TOP
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Fernando Belasteguín, with his HEAD Graphene XT Delta Pro.[/caption]
2016 has once again been marked by the undeniable dominance of Fernando Belasteguín. Along with Pablo Lima, they have won 12 of the 15 World Padel Tour tournaments played. A milestone that has allowed them to finish the season - once again - at the top of the international ranking. For Bela, it has been 15 years as number 1. Quite impressive. A legend.
CHANGE OF REIGN IN THE WOMEN'S CIRCUIT
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Marta Marrero and Alejandra Salazar.[/caption]
After 2015 was marked by the dominance of the Alayeto twins, 2016 has been the year of Marta Marrero and Alejandra Salazar. The Canarian and the Madrilenian have climbed to the top of the ranking after a spectacular year. They have been the most consistent, earning the right to finish as the best pair of the year. However, the victory in the Women's Master once again went to the 'Atomic Twins'.
LAUNCH OF ASICS 2016 PADEL RACKETS
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ASICS 2016 Padel Racket Collection.[/caption]
ASICS has been one of the leading brands this year. After establishing itself in the padel world with its shoes for several seasons, in 2016 they launched their first collection of ASICS padel rackets which was a complete success. A total of 24 models characterized by their diversification for both men and women. The clear structure of the collection is one of its differentiating points, responding to all types of levels and demands.
SCHISM IN THE WORLD PADEL TOUR
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Andrea Ballester and Óscar Solé left the WPT after 4 years at the helm.[/caption]
2016 was also marked by the continuous ups and downs in the World Padel Tour's communication department. The departure of the team responsible for giving voice to the best championship in the world over the last few years, led by Óscar Solé and Andrea Ballester, was not well received by most fans, who made their feelings known on social media. Professional players also did not hesitate to show their support through various messages. Only the arrival of Lalo Alzueta seemed to calm the spirits of fans who weren't entirely comfortable with Enrique Marqués as the main commentator.
PAQUITO NAVARRO'S SIGNING WITH BULLPADEL
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Paquito Navarro 'returns' to Bullpadel.[/caption]
The signing of Paquito Navarro by Bullpadel was the last big news of the year. The Seville native left his previous brand to join the company with which he began playing padel. A decision as expected by many as it was surprising for others. But the truth is that his journey at Bullpadel could not have started better. Paquito Navarro debuted with his new brand at the Madrid WPT Master with the Bullpadel Hack padel racket, winning the tournament alongside Sanyo Gutiérrez. 2017 promises to be his year.
CELESTE PAZ'S RETIREMENT
The women's circuit was marked, among other news, by the retirement of Celeste Paz. At 33, the considered sexiest player in the WPT decided to end her career, to focus on new projects, as she revealed on her Facebook page. A very beloved player in the international circuit who even appeared on the cover of Interviú to vindicate the role of padel in Spain. "Padel is no longer a sport for posh people. Four million people play it here and there aren't that many posh people in Spain," she declared then.
2016 PADEL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uP_qbk7sgcwAmong the best of 2016, we cannot forget the celebration of the Padel World Championship. The city of Cascais, in Portugal, hosted a championship that demonstrated the rise of the four-wall sport in every sense. The men's team gold went to Argentina after a very close final against Spain. For their part, the Spanish women were able to repeat their triumph, also against Argentina. Spain won the men's Open with Álvaro Cepero and Juan Lebrón.
THE BEST PADEL RACKETS OF 2016
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The best padel rackets of 2016.[/caption]
It has been the most read post of 2016 on StreetPadel. After all, padel rackets are the true protagonists throughout the year. This season we have seen all kinds of rackets and some have left us speechless: Bullpadel Vertex, Head Graphene XT Delta Pro, Siux Spyder, ASICS S1, Star Vie 9.1 DRS Carbon Aluminium... Undoubtedly, a spectacular year as far as padel rackets are concerned.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR PADEL RACKET
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGQ2FZc8JBwWe conclude this compilation of the best of 2016 with one of the most read publications on StreetPadel throughout the year: a guide to choosing your padel racket correctly. A post in which we offer advice and tell you about all the variables to take into account when buying a racket: weight, balance, rubber, materials... Highly recommended!
