TWO young cue players in AJ Manas and Jaybee Sucal are taking social media by storm.
Manas, 17, and Sucal, 15, have been pitted against each other in exhibition games, drawing spectators at billiards halls and making social media abuzz as they draw millions of views on different platforms.
Both players are definitely looking to follow in the footsteps of one Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes.
In fact, this early, the two have already crossed paths with the Filipino legend - and even played exhibition matches against "The Magician" which could be seen through a simple check on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.
When asked about the two young pool players, Reyes said they definitely have potential, but also have much room for improvement.
Strong start for Manas
One youngster whom he thinks is already close to stardom, though, is Manas.
Manas had already competed in the World Pool Championship last June, even beating Canada’s John Morra in Round 1 of the knockout stage to eventually finish at joint 33rd. Manas beat Reyes as well two years ago in a billiards competition in Bacolod City.
“Si AJ Manas, gumagaling. Bata pa ‘yun,” said Reyes in an interview at the sidelines of the Reyes Cup press conference on Friday. “May mga magagaling pa sa kanya. Pero bata pa siya.”
“Marami na siya, nagkakaroon na siya ng experience ngayon. Palagay ko, mararating din niya ‘yung gusto niyang marating,” said Reyes.
And as much as there's still plenty to improve on for Manas, Reyes admitted that there seems to be little weakness in the kid's game.
“Hindi ko alam kung ano ang magiging kulang niya dahil shooter siya,” he said.
Target-locking for Sucal
As for Sucal, who himself has gained quite a following online, Reyes said the youngster is also good, but still has a lot of work to do.
Despite the early hype, the good thing is that Sucal has the time to continue to hone his skills.
“Ang kailangan niya, mag-concentrate siya,” said Reyes of Sucal. “Ang ano sa kanya, lagi siyang nakikita sa mga TV, akala nila, magaling na magaling na. Kulang pa siya.”
“Ngayon, kailangan niya talaga mag-ensayo nang husto, mag-concentrate nang husto, pakita niya na magaling siya. Hindi naman niya kailangang ipakita sa lahat ng maraming tao. Kailangan ma-improve siya, praktisin niya sa sarili na alam niya na siya ang magaling,” he continued.
As for what exactly Sucal needs to improve on, Reyes said: “Ang kulang pa niya, sa pag-iingat ng mga tirahan o focus. Hindi ‘yung mabilis na siya na titira, siya na agad."
“Pero gagaling pa rin ‘yun. Bata pa eh.”
Breaks of the game
Whether it's Manas or Sucal who emerge as the next bright star for Philippine billiards, Reyes said the most important aspect of their game that they should work on is their break.
READ: Reyes Cup brings together billiards' best from Europe and Asia
“Ang kailangan talaga diyan, kahit sino magaling sa atin ngayon, kailagang ensayuhin mo talaga ang break. Parang ngayon, puro (may) break ang magagaling,” said Reyes.
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