BATA REYES DECADE’S TOP PLAYER
MANILA, Feb. 2 (PNA) — Once again, Efren “Bata” Reyes, perhaps the greatest billiards player of all time, put the Philippines on top of the world through his unusual pool skill and talent.
The United States Billiard Media Association (USBMA) announced on Monday 1 that the 55-year-old Filipino pool maestro was named “Player of the Decade,” beating fellow former world champions Johnny “The Scorpion” Archer of the United States, Mika “The Iceman” Immonen of Finland and Ralf “Kaiser” Souquet of Germany in voting.
Reyes, a native of Angeles City, Pampanga, the top player of Puyat Sports who was also inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall (BCA) Hall of Fame in 2003 has amassed nearly US$ 1.7 million in prize money, according to the February 1 report of famous website Azbilliards.
Not included is his latest feat in Indiana with a total earning of US$ 47,500.
Reyes is fresh from winning his fifth straight Master of the Table Crown last Monday during the 12th Annual Derby City Classic at the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel in Indiana, United States.
“He (Efren) is an inspiration for the Filipinos.” said long-time benefactor sportsman/businessman Aristeo “Putch” Puyat, acknowledged Godfather of Philippine Billiards.
Reyes won more than 20 major men’s professional pool titles during the decade, starting with his US$ 30,000 Camel Pro 8-Ball Championship win in 2000.
Of his 22 major victories, the versatile Reyes won four one-pocket crowns, four 8-ball titles and 15 9-ball titles. He also won the Derby City All-Around title five times.
Reyes is also the first Filipino to win the prestigious World Pool (9-ball) Championships tiara in 1999 at Cardiff, Wales. He also took the World 8-ball title in 2004 in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.
He scored his biggest wins in the International Pool Tour (IPT), won two titles (2005 IPT King of the Hill and 2006 IPT North American Open) and pocketed US$ 765,000.
In the distaff side, Allison Fisher of Great Britain was also named “Player of the Decade,” defeating compatriot Karen Korr and Jasmin Osuchan of Austria for the coveted plum.