In the world of billiards, there are matches that fans will remember forever – not only for the outcome, but also for the way the match was played, the suspense, the surprises and the magic that happened on the table. One such match was the confrontation between Filipino legend – Efren "Bata" Reyes – and the three-time world champion nicknamed "The Kentucky Colonel". A seemingly simple encounter with victory within the champion's grasp, everything changed when "The Wizard" Reyes entered the frame.
"The Kentucky Colonel" – a name full of spirit – is no stranger to victory. As one of America's veteran players, he has repeatedly made the world bow with his precise shots, sharp strategies, and cool demeanor on the table. With three world championship titles, he came to this match with absolute confidence. Many had predicted that this would be just another walk for him – another title, another defeated opponent. But he had not counted on one factor… that he was facing Efren Reyes.
From the moment he entered the stadium, Efren Reyes had no need to show off. He was quiet, calm, carrying his trademark simplicity, but his eyes shone with absolute concentration – as if he had seen the whole match in advance. The fans cheered, most of them came for Reyes. They knew that although he was no longer as young as before, his skills and magic still made anyone wary.
The match started with the advantage leaning towards "The Kentucky Colonel". He started smoothly, broke, controlled the game, and quickly took the lead. In the eyes of many, this was understandable – he was playing in good form, and Reyes seemed to be probing. But for those who have watched Reyes over the years, they know that he starts like this. He watches, he feels the table, and then… he attacks.
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In the fourth game, Reyes started to fight back. A classic safety left his opponent confused, and when the opportunity arose, Reyes unleashed a series of near-perfect shots. A three-cushion combo to put the 5 in the corner pocket sent the crowd into a frenzy. People started to look at each other: “Reyes is back!”
From that point on, the game turned completely around. “The Kentucky Colonel” seemed to be feeling the pressure. He had said before the match that he “understands how Reyes plays” and that “miracles don’t happen when you’re prepared.” But as Reyes scored, blocked, and created unbelievable shots, all that preparation seemed to disappear. He couldn’t predict how Reyes would play. With each shot, Reyes seemed to tell a story – a story whose ending only he knew.
The eighth game, the highlight of the match, took place. The white ball was in an unbelievable position, completely blocked by two opponent balls. A normal shot would not have put the ball in the hole. But Reyes… he did the impossible. He used the three-cushion technique, applied backspin, and adjusted the ball's trajectory with almost unbelievable precision. The number 7 ball rolled into the hole, and the audience exploded. "The Kentucky Colonel" sat still, his face filled with surprise and admiration. He shook his head, smiling as if to say: "There was nothing more I could do."
The match ended after 13 games, with a score of 9-4 in favor of Reyes. A victory not because the opponent was weak, but because Reyes was too strong, too wise, and still maintained the same level as before. "The Kentucky Colonel" shook Reyes' hand, smiling sincerely: "You remind me of the reason I started playing billiards." A compliment, an acknowledgement from the three-time world champion - enough to show that Reyes is still an unshakeable monument.
The audience stood up and applauded continuously. Not because they didn't like "The Kentucky Colonel", but because they had just witnessed something magical - a lesson in patience, strategy, and genius. This match will be mentioned many times, not because it was surprising, but because it was so beautiful, so top-notch.
Efren Reyes - although no longer at the peak of his physical strength - is still a genius on the table. He doesn't play violently, doesn't play fast, but each shot seems to have magic. And once again, he proves that, in the world of billiards, never think you've won... when Reyes is still standing there.
