atxiki (unfair retention of the ball), typical of the late 19th century style of playing, dubbed joko zikin ("dirty game"). This game is for men only. Remonte Similar to joko-garbi, but the xistera is flatter and doesn't allow the atchiki foul. It can be played by individuals or teams of two players. This game is still performed by professionals in several Jai-Alai frontons in northern Spain. Xare Xare or sare (from name of the racket, which means "net" in Basque; also spelled share in Spanish) is played with a wooden ring strung with a net, meaning that the ball is thrown instead of hit. It is played only on the trinquet court. Xare is known for the quick, precise and sharp movements of the pelotaris who are capable of reaching balls considered impossible for pelotaris of other specialties. Bicycle-like helmets are also worn. It is traditionally strong in South American countries, especially Argentina, as a result of which it is also known as raqueta argentina and raquette argentine in Spanish and French. Professionalism in pelota Professional competitions and exhibitions in the Basque Country are organized by Asegarce and ASPE for the discipline of handball, Orriamendi for Remonte, Inpala for Pala Larga. Various tournaments exist for Cesta Punta professional players in France and Spain. In the United States pelota is mainly a professional sport, strongly tied to betting and the pari-mutuel system. In professional environment is common to play special plays called "quinielas" well adapted to the betting needs. Main tournaments 1st Hand-pelota, singles category 1st Hand-pelota, doubles category Cuatro y Medio 2nd Hand-pelota, singles category In 1994, the production company Asegarce started painting the courts green so that the ball would be more visible on TV. Renowned players Active Oinatz Bengoetxea Olaizola II Retired Atano III Beloki Martínez de Irujo Retegi II Titín III Txikito de Iraeta Txikito de Eibar Professional games are open to betting on the results, as usual in most traditional Basque competitions. In the US and Macau it is mainly this aspect of the competition that has given it some popularity. Besides the federations, there are professional competitions such as the League of Companies of Basque Pilota. The International Jai-Alai Players Association is a union defending the players of Jai Alai. Basque Pelota World Championships The International Federation of Basque Pelota has organized the Basque Pelota World Championships since 1952. Medal table The current medal table