1.Pool A: Rocher strikes hard, Bonetto goes through the playoff
Pool A offered an anticipated clash between the Rocher team and the Bonetto team, the title holder. Dylan Rocher, Stéphane Robineau and Diego Rizzi started by dominating Zigler 13-2, while Bonetto beat Doerr 13-6. The winners' duel then turned in Rocher's favour, winner 13-9 against Bonetto.
In the other group match, Doerr got his day going again against Zigler, 13-8, before a Bonetto - Doerr play-off. The Sportmag recap shows Rocher qualified directly, then Bonetto in the listed semi-finals. It's therefore a high-density group, marked by a strong entry from Rocher and a necessary reaction from the title holders.
| Match | Score | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Zigler - Rocher | 2-13 | Rocher sets the early pace |
| Doerr - Bonetto | 6-13 | Bonetto gets off to a clean start |
| Rocher - Bonetto | 13-9 | First shock won by Rocher |
| Zigler - Doerr | 8-13 | Doerr stays alive |
2.Pool B: Dream Team and Etoiles du Sud escape the trap
Pool B had a special flavour with the local Montluçon team, carried by Christian Fazzino. The Dream Team beat Germany 13-6, while Montluçon caused an upset against the Étoiles du Sud, 13-3. But what followed put the favourites back on track: Germany went down 1-13 against the Étoiles du Sud, then Montluçon lost 5-13 against the Dream Team.
The play-off was decisive: the Etoiles du Sud took their revenge on Montlucon, 13-5, to reach the final four. Sportmag highlights in particular the reaction of François N Diaye, Yves Rakotoarisoa and Jean-François Rakotondrainibe after the first defeat against the locals.
3.Announced semi-finals: Rocher - Etoiles du Sud and Dream Team - Bonetto
At the time of the results recap published on 16 July, the semi-final line-ups were Rocher - Etoiles du Sud and Dream Team - Bonetto. Two very readable match-ups: on one side, the power of the Rocher team against the African leader of the circuit; on the other, the vast experience of the Dream Team against the title holders.
This final stretch tells the story of the 2026 edition well: historic teams still present, international line-ups capable of upsetting the favourites, and a level of density that makes every playoff dangerous.
4.What to take away from Montlucon
Montluçon first confirmed how hard it is to come cleanly out of a Masters pool. An opening defeat is not elimination, but it forces you to play under pressure. Les Étoiles du Sud are the best example: beaten by the local team, they found their level again at the exact moment it was needed.
The second lesson concerns Rocher. Beating Bonetto 13-9 in a winners' match sends a strong signal, especially in a stage that can weigh on the general classification. Finally, Fazzino's presence gave the stage an obvious emotional dimension, even if Montluçon stops at the play-off.
In this type of stage, the play-off is often the real mental test. You're no longer just playing a game: you're playing for the right to stay in the draw, with all the fatigue and frustration from previous matches.
5.Sources consulted
Sources: Sportmag, "Masters de Pétanque: all the results of the 3rd stage in Montluçon", published 16 July 2026; Sportmag, "Masters de Pétanque: the Étoiles du Sud shatter the eternal Fazzino's dream", published 16 July 2026; official pages of the Masters de Pétanque dedicated to the Montluçon stage.