Paleta Cuero, Doubles, Men

In paleta cuero, a small paddle (at most 50 cm long and 13,5 cm wide) is used to hit the ball, which is made of leather (“cuero” is leather in Spanish). French player Pierre Barreits had won the world title in the paleta cuero in 1958, 1962 and 1966, playing with his brother Bernard on the last two occasions. He was paired with Joseph Berrotaran in Mexico. The duo made it through the first round, which served only to eliminate Uruguay. The French then tied for first place in the final round, winning 2 and losing one, just like the Spanish squad. The French were awarded victory on account of their better points difference, 103-84 against 103-86 for the Spanish.

Argentina’s outfit featured Ricardo Bizzozero, who would make history 24 years later by becoming the only person to appear at two Olympics in basque pelota. In Barcelona 1992, he would win the paleta cuero event.