The start to this season has been wide open on the World Padel Tour. After six tournaments, there have been various different winners and the rankings are tigther than ever. Here's a look at the "Champions' Race" standings which only include the points gained so far this season:
1. Sanyo Gutiérrez and Maxi Sánchez. (5500 points each)
The number two ranked pairing leads the "Champions' Race" with three titles from six tournaments. It's been a sweet reencounter for the pairing from San Luis. They've only failed ro reach the final in Alicante and are clear candidates to the number one spot.
2. Fernando Belasteguín and Pablo Lima. (3580 points each)
The world number duo have had to overcome a difficult start to the season. An elbow injury for Fernando Belasteguín has slowed them down and has prevented them from dominating as they have in the previous three seasons. Despite this adversity, they've won two titles this year and have defeated the number two pairing in their only meeting.
3. Matías Díaz andAlejandro Galán. (2980 points each)
Despite this being their first season together, Matías Díaz and Alejandro Galán have placed themselves as one of the best pairings on tour. Four semifinals and a title allow them to be at the top end of the rankings, and also grants them the privilege of being one of the only three pairings to have won a title in 2018.
4 Paquito Navarro and Juan Martín Díaz. (2660 points each)
One of the most naturally talented pairings on tour started this season with doubts regarding Juan Martín Díaz's form, as he missed the whole of 2017 with a knee injury. Despite this being their first time together, the Spanish/Argentine duo have proved that they can take on the best and compete for titles, as proved by their two finals.
5. Juan Lebrón and Juan Cruz Belluati. (1850 points each)
These two young players coached by Severino Iezzi have become one of the revelations of the season. Finalists at a Master and regular customers in the final rounds, they're the fifth pairing with most points in 2018 so far. Their main target now is to be more consistent in the rest of the season.
6. Cristian Gutiérrez and Franco Stupaczuk. (1610 points each)
In their second season together and after having already established themselves as one of the best pairings in the world, the Argentines are still lacking a bit of consistency. They're playing for the fourth place in the rankings and to maintain their status as one of the most feared duos. Despite their doubts this season, their talent has led them to a final at an Open.
7 Juan Mieres and Miguel Lamperti. (1540 points each)
One of the references on the World Padel Tour in the last three years. Year after year, the duo from Bahia Blanca prove to be one of the most competitive duos in the world. Their objective will once again be to win a title, which they haven't done together, and to reach the top four, as they did in 2016.
