Iker Pajares Bernabeu wins European Championship Bronze Medal
August 24 2025
UNSQUASHABLE player Iker Pajares Bernabeu secured third place at the 2025 ESF European Individual Championships in Chartres, France, to claim the Men’s Bronze Medal and repeat his achievement of last year after Nicolas Mueller was forced to concede their third-place play-off. The Spaniard’s medal finish capped a demanding week at C’Chartres Squash et Badminton, where he demonstrated both resilience and quality against some of Europe’s top names.
The Spanish No.1’s most dramatic contest came in the semi-finals against France’s No.2 seed Baptiste Masotti. In front of a partisan home crowd, the Spaniard pushed the Frenchman to the brink before bowing out 6-11 13-11 8-11 11-5 12-10. Iker led twice in the encounter, but Masotti’s relentless pace and determination saw him recover to close-out a thrilling 91-minute marathon.
Earlier in the championships, the 5-time Spanish Champion had looked sharp and efficient, dispatching Austria’s Daniel Lutz in straight games in round two after receiving a first-round bye. He then progressed past Czech player Viktor Byrtus, who was forced to retire injured in the third game, before producing a dominant quarter-final display against France’s Edwin Clain, winning 11-2 11-6 11-6.
Although denied a place in the final, the Spaniard’s performances underlined his consistency on the European stage and his ability to compete at the very highest level. His Bronze Medal represents another strong showing for Spain in major continental competition, while his semi-final with Masotti will stand out as one of the tournament’s most gripping contests.
2025 ESF European Individual Squash Championships, C’Chartres Squash et Badminton, Chartres, France
Men's Third Place Play-Off: [3/4] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) bt [3/4] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) w/o
Men's Semi-Finals: [2] Baptiste Masotti (FRA) bt [3/4] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) 6-11, 13-11, 8-11, 11-5, 12-10 (91m)
Men's Quarter-Finals: [3/4] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) bt [9/16] Edwin Clain (FRA) 11-2, 11-6, 11-6
Men's 3rd Round: [3/4] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) bt [9/16] Viktor Byrtus (CZE) 12-10, 11-5, 5-1 ret.
Men's 2nd Round: [3/4] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) bt Daniel Lutz (AUT) 11-5, 11-6, 11-8
Men's 1st Round: [3/4] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) bye
The 2025 European Squash Federation (ESF) European Individual Squash Championships featured UNSQUASHABLE players Iker Pajares Bernabeu and Iván Pérez of Spain, Sam Gerrits of the Netherands, and Cristina Tartarone of Italy.
2025 ESF European Individual Squash Championships, visit: www.internationalsquashmagazine.com