EFREN ‘Bata’ Reyes hailed Carlo Biado's recent feat of winning the World Pool Championship 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
READ: Carlo Biado nips world No. 1 Gorst to reclaim World Pool title
Reyes was on hand to witness Biado’s run to the crown which ended with the Filipino cue artist beating last year’s champion Fedor Gorst of the U.S., 15-13, to win his second career world 9-ball title.
“Magandang-maganda ‘yan,” said Reyes in an interview after Biado paid a courtesy call to Philippine Sports Commission chairman Pato Gregorio. “Walang makakapag-isip na mananalo sila, pero ang galing nang pinakita.”
Reyes said the fact that 17 Filipinos competed in the World Pool Championship also helped in Biado’s title quest.
“Nakita ko 17 na Pilipino, puro magagaling tumira. ‘Yung mga nakalaban nila, puro magagaling rin. Marami ring magagaling ang nasilat. At least, naipanalo, pinagtulungan na makarating si Carlo dito sa final,” he said.
The 70-year-old legend was also glad to see Biado overcome feeling the nerves during the competition.
“Nung una ninenerbyos siya, pero nawalan na siya ng phobia dahil alam niya na kahit matalo siya, meron na siyang maiuuwi (cash prize). ‘Yun ang sabi niya sa akin,” said Reyes, himself a winner of the World Pool Championship in 1999.
The 41-year-old Biado eventually won the top prize of $250K (around P14.5M), while also becoming the first Filipino to win the event more than once.
Philippine billiards alive and well
Reyes said Biado’s victory augurs well for the latter's chances of winning more titles, as well as that of other Filipino billiard players.
“Magandang-maganda. Malamang tuluy-tuloy na ‘yan. Hindi lang siya, marami pa tayong magagaling,” he said.
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