Fréjus and Nice triplets are favorites, French team, free entry... What awaits you at the International Pétanque Championship this weekend of August 2 and 3 in Nice

The balls are rattling once again. For its ^9th edition, the International Pétanque Métropole Nice Côte d'Azur returns to its sumptuous setting. The events will take place on the Promenade des Anglais and Place Masséna, where the main square will be set up, with a prestigious field and a major new feature: the finals will be played on Sunday evening, for greater comfort for the players and an even more spectacular atmosphere.

Organized by the CASE of Nice with the support of the city, the event promises to be a great one, with 256 men's triplets and 126 women's teams from six countries. A great crowd.

Mickaël Bonetto continues his momentum

The field looks impressive. The Fréjus International Pétanque trio of Dylan Rocher, Diego Rizzi, and Stéphane Robineau is a formidable force. Opposite, the host club will be able to count on an ultra-competitive, all-Nice team: Mickaël Bonetto, Ludovic Montoro, and Mayron Baudino.

Absent last year, Bonetto and Montoro are back this time. And in sparkling form: Bonetto has just won the European Precision Shooting Championship title, after a memorable semi-final against Rizzi, and reached the semi-finals of the French Head-to-Head Championships. At home, the Côte d'Azur player will be aiming for another spectacular performance.

The French team presents

In their wake, the French team composed of Christophe Sarrio, Frédéric Cazes and Adrien Delahaye could well pull off a winning start. Other high-level teams will be there: Michel Hatchadourian – Jeremy Fernandez – David Riviera (Boule Aixoise) without forgetting the defending champions Jean-Christophe Gimenez and Elie Winterstein, who are reforming their trio with Marc Cognard.

Women won't be left out with the Women's National and the Challenge de la Ville de Nice, while youngsters will compete on Sunday in the Grand Prix Educnaute. Nice is more than ever a stronghold of cochonnet. A great weekend of free pétanque for spectators is in store.

Program :

Saturday, August 2: 9 a.m.: Start of the International Métropole Nice Côte d'Azur Triplette seniors (groups). 9:30 a.m.: Start of the National Women's Triplette Challenge of the City of Nice.

7 p.m.: International Métropole Nice Côte d'Azur Senior Triplets (direct elimination).