Mondial La Marseillaise à petanque begins without several of its greatest champions. A case of rigged bets, injuries… That’s why Jean Felten, Michel Achadourian, Henri Lacroix and Philippe Quentet will not take the start.
A few days before the start of the World Cup Marseillaise In petanque, several big names in the discipline will miss the competition in Marseille. Between suspicions of rigged bets and injuries, we take stock of those missing from this 65th edition.
Philippe Quinte, cancer patient
The first to announce his refusal to compete was the great French petanque player Philippe Quintet. In a message published on his social networks, the multiple world champion said that he was suffering from papillary kidney cancer. “The procedures and the accompanying fatigue force me to slow down significantly, especially since this summer period is complicated by a contraindication to the sun.“, he explained. Prioritizing his health, he refused this World Championship. We still do not officially know the third person from the trio Sucho / Jouffre.
Khatchadourian, injured
A few days before the start of the World Championship, Michel Khatchadourian became a victim of a fall from the roof. According to the Armenian Petanque Federation, he has a mild cervical sprain, as well as a mild acromioclavicular sprain. Therefore, he will not participate in the competition. He is replaced by Ludovic Montoro. Thus, the trio consists of Ziegler/Doerr/Montoro.
Feltein involved in betting fraud
Indeed, the news rocks this World Cup, Jean Felten announced on his social networks that he will not participate this year. “I confess to you that psychologically I am not ready to participate in the Marseillaise Championship, but soon we will meet again on the field.” At the moment we do not know who will replace him in the trio of Christophe Constant, Jean Felten, Moise Helfrick.
Henri Lacroix reached the final stage of the French Championship
Henri Lacroix, also involved in this case of rigged games, will not take part in the World Cup. But that’s not the reason. He qualified for the final stages of the French Championship at the Stade Jeu de Provence in Blay-les-Mines.
Mondial la Marseillaise à petanque 2026
From July 3 to July 8, 2026
It is one of the most prestigious international petanque competitions and takes place every summer in Marseille: the 65th edition of the Mondial La Marseillaise à Pétanque will take place from 3 to 8 July 2026, while the main triple petanque competition is scheduled from 5 to 8 July at Parc Borély and around thirty playing fields in the city of Marseille. Open to all players, licensed or not, women, men and mixed teams, this 2026 edition is set to bring together thousands of enthusiasts and international trios in a festive and competitive atmosphere, bringing together traditional competitions, the Paprek Women’s Grand Prix and the Crédit Mutuel des Jeunes Trophy at the opening event. Photo: Nicolas Debru/FTV
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Venue:
Marseilles
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