68 years old, an age when many people have retired, slowing down to enjoy peaceful moments with their children and grandchildren. But for Efren “Bata” Reyes – who is known as the “Wizard” of the world of billiards – age seems to be just a number. He continues to fight, creating unbelievable miracles on the table, and most recently, an emotional performance in a tense 10-game match with a young Filipino talent who once declared that he would “dethrone” his idol.
Right from the start of the match, the audience was surprised by the way Reyes entered the game. Still with the familiar stance, the bright eyes hidden behind the glasses, and the half-smile that seemed to tease the world – Reyes showed that even though he is getting older, he has not lost his peak form. Facing a young, agile opponent full of desire to assert himself, many people thought that Reyes would have a hard time. But with his courage and class, he turned this match into a symphony of technique, tactics and magic.
In the first game, Reyes seemed to just observe. He let his young opponent attack first, taking advantage of the excitement and speed of youth. But after only a few shots, “Bata” realized his opponent's weakness: being too impatient and not being able to control his emotions. With his vast experience, Reyes gently counterattacked, equalized and then took the lead. His technical break in the third game made the audience burst into tears - an unbelievable shot, sending the 9 ball to the center hole, skillfully passing three blocking balls, like a magic show.
VIDEO :
It is not by chance that Reyes is called "The Magician". Throughout his career, he has made countless opponents bow in admiration with his "unbelievable" shots. At 68, many people thought that his hands would no longer be flexible, his reflexes would slow down, but Reyes proved the opposite. He not only competed fairly with the younger players, but also made them feel “confused” with his strategic shots. Every time Reyes seemed to make a mistake, it turned out to be a calculated move – opening up a new game, forcing his opponent into a passive position.
The match lasted until the 10th game, with the score constantly changing. At one point, the young player took a 5-4 lead, and the audience began to doubt whether Reyes could maintain his spirit. But it was at that moment that “Bata” showed the true class of a legend. He entered the deciding game with a cool calmness. No longer joking like at the beginning, Reyes focused highly, moving gently around the table like a ballet artist looking for the perfect position. And then, a magical three-cushion shot – the number 2 ball swoops through a series of obstacles, hits three cushions and lands on the right spot – silences the room for a few seconds, before exploding with excitement.
The 10th game ended with victory for Efren Reyes. Not an overwhelming victory, but a victory of character, experience and class. As for the young man, although he lost, he will certainly not forget the valuable lesson from his great teacher. He bowed his head to shake hands with Reyes, a shy smile mixed with respect clearly visible on his face. “I have never seen anyone play like that. He knew everything that was going to happen, like he was reading my mind,” the young player shared after the match.
Not only did the audience marvel at his skills, the match was also a clear demonstration of true sportsmanship. Reyes did not brag, did not argue, he let everything on the table speak for him. For him, every match is a chance to live fully with passion, regardless of age. That is what makes Efren Reyes unique – a small man from Angeles, Philippines, but with the stature of a global legend.
On social networks, thousands of comments praised Reyes' spectacular comeback. "At 68 years old, playing like this, it's unbelievable!", one account wrote. Someone even joked that "He must be an alien in human form". But everyone agreed on one thing: Reyes is not just a player, he is a living symbol of perseverance, passion and the spirit of never giving up.
This victory is not simply a sporting victory. It is also a powerful inspirational story. In an era where new generations are constantly emerging with supporting technology, intensive training and better training conditions, a 68-year-old man can still surprise the world. Reyes is a testament to the fact that the core value of any sport – be it billiards, boxing, or any other sport – lies in the heart, the hard work, and the never-ending passion.
And so, Efren “Bata” Reyes continues his journey. He may not be in many major tournaments anymore, he may not be hitting many breaks with the strength of youth, but what he is playing is history – every game, every shot, depicts a living legend, making the whole world bow in admiration.
It is still Reyes – 68 years old, still a storm on the table!
