No one could have imagined that at the age of 68, Efren “Bata” Reyes – the so-called “Billiard Wizard” – would still be at the top of his game and continue to create moments that would make the world admire him. In a much-anticipated match between two generations, Reyes sent shockwaves through the world when he defeated the three-time European champion with incredible Z shots – magical shots that could only come from a genius.
The match took place at a major international tournament, where legends and the top young talents of billiards gathered. Among them, the European representative – the three-time continental champion – entered the match with extreme confidence. He once declared before the match: “I know Reyes is a legend, but his era is over. Now it’s the time of the new generation.”
But perhaps he was too hasty.
Right from the first minutes, Reyes showed his composure, not flinching from the powerful and accurate shots from his opponents. But what was special was the way he handled difficult situations. Every time his opponent put him in a tight spot, he calmly broke the situation with technical and creative shots, especially the Z shot - an extremely difficult Z-shaped shot that required perfect calculation of force, angle and feeling.
The most shocking moment of the match took place in the 7th game. In a situation where the cue ball was pressed against the table, and the target ball was in the other diagonal corner, with almost no direct path, fans thought that Reyes would play it safe or concede the turn. But no - he looked at the table intently, drawing a path with the cue stick like an artist on a blank canvas.
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After a few seconds, he executed a perfect Z shot – the cue ball flew over three sides of the table, creating a magical zigzag path and hitting the object ball, sending it neatly into the pocket. The whole audience stood up and applauded like thunder. His opponent – the European champion – could only shake his head, smiling bitterly. In the stands, those who had doubted Reyes began to chant his name like a living saint.
What makes Reyes different is not only his technique – which has been recognized for decades – but the soul he breathes into each shot. For him, billiards is not a pure competition, but a stage for performing art. Each of Reyes' shots has the grace of a classical piece of music, the complexity of a math problem but is surprisingly simple when he executes it.
After the match, the European champion admitted: “I prepared very carefully, analyzed his playing style, but I could not have imagined that at the age of 68, he could still compete with such mentality and skills. It was not just a match, it was a lesson.”
No one can escape the law of time. But for Reyes, age seems to be just a number. Even though his hair is white and his figure is no longer as agile as before, his eyes when looking at the billiard table are still as sharp as a knife. It is the eyes of someone who understands every angle, every collision, every roll of the ball.
During his career of more than 40 years, Reyes has defeated the biggest names, won countless titles, and inspired millions of billiards lovers around the world. But what makes people love him most is his humility and endless passion. Even though he is a legend, he still practices every day, still smiles and jokes with fans, and still steps up to the table with the eyes of a child discovering something new.
The victory over the European champion is not just a personal victory. It is an affirmation that true value never fades over the years. It is living proof that passion, hard work and artistic spirit can overcome all barriers, including time and age.
The image of Reyes performing the divine Z shot quickly spread on social networks. Millions of people shared the clip with admiration and admiration. Many young players said that it was Reyes who passed on their love of billiards. And now, he has once again rekindled that fire - stronger than ever.
Efren “Bata” Reyes does not compete as much as before, but every time he steps up to the table, history is made alive. At 68, he not only makes people admire him for still being able to compete – but also for competing at the top level. And the divine Z shot in the last match will forever be a symbol – not only of talent, but also of a spirit that refuses to be defeated by time.
Efren Reyes – the ageless legend – continues to write immortal chapters of billiards history with a cue and the heart of an artist.
