WHICH TEAM WILL BECOME A LEGEND THIS YEAR?

Boules have been found in a 7,200-year-old Egyptian sarcophagus! In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans played a sport similar to pétanque, using round stones. So history must have seen a few stone-throwing pros. In the more recent past, there have even been a number of stars of the "Marseillaise" pétanque world championship. For example, Jean Kokoyan, whose name was also attributed to the challenge that rewards the best scorer in the final. Also nicknamed the "Sphinx", he won 4 times in the 80's. His rival Albert Pisapia reached the podium 7 times until 1990. The 2000s saw the consecration of the 3 Philippe team. If destiny had a hand in the first names, it also had a hand in the triplet. The 3 Philippe (P. Quintais, P.Suchaud and P.Pecoul) won 3 times between 2004 and 2009 (3…another twist of fate ?).

PETANQUE COMPETITION ENTRIES?

Last year, the Messonnier-Lellouche-Salvini triplet won the competition. But this year, who will be the lucky winners? Perhaps you? Mixed, Female or Mondial des Jeunes, you can still register online via this link for the fixed price of 18€ (free for youngsters)! You can also visit the central registration office at 19 cours H. d'Estienne d'Orves in the 1st arrondissement. It's open until tomorrow, June 24, from 2pm to 6pm; tomorrow, June 25, from 9am to 12pm; from Monday, June 27 to Thursday, June 30, from 9am to 7pm & last Friday, July 1, from 9am to noon.

Another record to beat is that of 2011, when 13,872 players took part in the pétanque competition.

WHERE, WHEN AND AT WHAT TIME?

The first boule will be shot (or scored) on July 3 at Parc Borély, and the finals will take place on Friday, July 8 at the Vieux-Port! Use the table below to find out the dates, times and locations of the competition events.