At the age of 68, when many people have retired and lived peacefully with their families, the living legend of the world billiards village - Efren "Bata" Reyes - still steps onto the table with unbelievable form. At the latest international tournament held in Germany, Reyes had a performance that amazed the world when he destroyed the European youth champion, who was only 22 years old, with magical strokes. The match was not only a victory, but also a living proof of the eternal vitality of a legend, of a "Wizard" who never surrenders to time.
From the beginning of the match, all eyes were on the young Polish player - Maksymilian Kowalski, who had just won the European U23 Championship. He is considered a representative of the new generation: strong, precise, and full of confidence.
But perhaps it was that confidence that made Kowalski underestimate his opponent – an old man with silver hair but sharp eyes and a calm smile. When Reyes entered the competition area, many spectators thought that this would be a “quick end” match in a disadvantageous direction for him. But after only a few shots, everything changed dramatically.
Reyes began to show incredible composure. His shots were not only accurate but also deeply calculated, putting his opponent in a completely passive position. Each of Reyes’ shots seemed to carry decades of experience – sophistication, softness, and surprise.
In a play in the third round, Reyes made a “kick shot” over three cushions, causing the cue ball to hit the target ball at a seemingly impossible angle, then continued to create a perfect favorable position for the next shot. The entire audience fell silent for a moment, before exploding into a standing ovation.
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Kowalski, who was a promising player, began to falter mentally. Although he tried to keep his composure, Reyes's cunning and unpredictable style of play put him in a difficult position. Reyes used more than just technique to lead the match, using his wisdom and experience to guide the match. He was not in a hurry, always taking his time to read the table and plan his tactics meticulously, something that young players often lack.
The match lasted more than an hour, but there was not a single moment that made the audience feel bored. Each of Reyes's plays was like a piece of music - sometimes gentle, sometimes climaxing, and ending with neat, precise scores like a program. After the final shot of the 9 ball, when the ball fell neatly into the pocket and Reyes gently stood up, the whole audience stood up and applauded, not only because of the victory, but also because of the admiration for an immortal symbol.
What makes people admire is not only the skill, but also the never-ending fighting spirit of Efren Reyes. At nearly 70 years old, he no longer has to prove anything to the world. He has won every big and small tournament, defeated every legend, and was once called "The Greatest of All Time" in the billiards world. But he still goes to the field, still practices, still competes as if each match is the last match of his life. That is what makes Reyes immortal in the hearts of fans.
After the match, Kowalski – despite losing but still showing respect – approached Reyes to shake his hand and shared with the media:
“I’ve been watching his videos since I was a kid, but today I really felt why people call him ‘The Magician’. Every stroke of the cue carries a miracle.”
Meanwhile, world sports experts unanimously praised Reyes’ performance. On ESPN, famous commentator James Clive wrote:
“Reyes didn’t just win a match. He just showed the world that true talent is not defeated by age. We’re not just witnessing a victory – we’re witnessing living history.”
On social media, hashtags like #EfrenTheKing, #BilliardsGOAT, #ReyesMagic immediately became a trend. Fans from all over sent their congratulations, emotions, and even burst into tears because they were moved by an irreplaceable figure. Many people say that watching Reyes play is like watching Picasso paint or Mozart play music – an artist of the times.
Another notable point is Reyes’ modesty and simplicity. In the post-match interview, when asked about his feelings when defeating the young champion, he just smiled and said:
“I just tried to play my best. I love billiards, and as long as I can stand, I will continue to play the cue.”
Those words, though simple, contain the spirit and heart of a legend. No exaggeration, no arrogance, just pure love for the sport that he has devoted his whole life to.
The match between Reyes and Kowalski was not just a victory – but a powerful message about the will to live, passion and perseverance. In a world where the new always replaces the old, where speed and youth are honored, Efren Reyes – at 68 years old – is still the uncrowned king of billiards. And the world, no matter how modern, still bows before that immortal talent.
