Princely appointment at the Monaco International
This weekend is the 4e edition of the Monaco International. A major event at the end of the season, the Principality’s tournament attracts the stars.
In Monaco too, pétanque is making its way. For several years, the Principality has become “the place to be” the end of the bowling season. A month after its women’s tournament, the Monegasque city is hosting the 4e edition of its International “Challenge Hereditary Prince Jacques”. “It is a source of pride to see that we have managed to make it a place for ourselves in the calendar. This year again, the line-up is very attractive,” rejoices Stéphane Pintus, manager of the Club Bouliste Monégasque. The stakes are also countable: the competition earns points for the PPF circuit, as well as with a view to qualifying for the Masters.
Who will be rewarded by the Prince?
If his schedule allows it, it is sometimes His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II in person, who presents the trophy to the winners. This year, many of them claim to win in Monaco. Starting with the neighbors of Nice. The Mickaël Bonetto-Pierre Lucchesi-David Riviera triplet is advancing as one of the favorites. However, it will be necessary to deal with Dylan Rocher, Michel Loy, Marc Tierno or even Simon Cortes. Maison Durk and Michel Hatchadourian, in form this summer and both winners of the past weekend (respectively in Nyons and Ajaccio) are also celebrating. Titles at the last Masters, the Italians Diego Rizzi and Alessio Cocciolo made the trip, like other national selections such as Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg.
Pétanque booming in the Principality
For this International, the games will take place at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille, not far from the Stade Louis II. “The sovereign and the government are fond of sport and pétanque. It is gratifying to feel supported”, adds Stéphane Pintus. Obviously, several Monegasque teams will defend the local colors. Among them, the triplet of Jean-Pierre Le Lons, champion of France doublets in 1996. The rest of the year too, the players of the Principality carry high the red and white banner: “We have a team that will be presented at the final stage of the European Club Cup in November. On the youth side, we have three teams in Palma de Mallorca for the European Championships, in the men’s and women’s events,” specifies the manager of the Club Bouliste Monégasque. To this must be added the title of European champion doublets of Myriam Chambeiron and Laura Vierjon, last July.
SPORTMAG will be on site in Monaco this Saturday 8 October, find our video interviews on our website