EFREN ‘Bata’ Reyes is widely regarded as the GOAT of billiards.
Perhaps the most notable of his countless victories came 24 years ago on July 26, 1999 when Reyes captured the World 9-Ball Championships in Cardiff, Wales.
It was the first world championship organized by Matchroom Sport, whose resources allowed the event to be broadcasted all over the world including the Philippines through the wide reach of ESPN.
WATCH:
Over the course of the tournament, Filipinos tuned in to follow th
In front of a worldwide audience, ‘The Magician,’ then 45, defeated Hao Ping Chang of Chinese Taipei, 17-8, to cap a run that saw him overhaul five other opponents in the knockout phase, including compatriot and kumpare Francisco ‘Django’ Bustamante.
Reyes’ run to the world title also raised the profile of billiards in the country from a pasttime mostly played by 'kanto boys' in seedy joints to a high-profile sport where Filipinos are recognized all over the globe as world-class.
It also inspired the rise of more talents in the billiards scene in the Philippines.
At 68, Reyes remains revered in the sport all over the world, and the world title in 1999 further cemented his place among the all-time greats.
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