At the age of 68, when many have retired from the limelight, resting with their families and content with what they have achieved, Efren "Bata" Reyes - nicknamed "The Wizard" - is still doing what he loves most: holding a cue and creating magic on the billiard table. But few expected that, in a match considered a battle of Filipino legends, Reyes would not only compete, but also make the whole world admire him once again when he defeated Warren Kiamco - one of the most formidable and veteran opponents in the Asian pool scene.
The match between Efren Reyes and Warren Kiamco was not simply a sports confrontation, but also a reunion of two souls of Philippine billiards - two men who have devoted decades of their lives to the development and glory of this sport. Kiamco, with his tight, cool and extremely precise playing style, was considered a “computer” on the table, while Reyes was an artist, a wizard with unexpected, daring shots that seemed to defy all the laws of physics.
Right from the first shots, the audience felt like they were witnessing a dream match. Although the age difference was undeniable – Reyes was nearly 10 years older than Kiamco – his fighting spirit, concentration and skills were still at a level that made many young players jealous. Reyes opened with a powerful break, the 9 ball rolled gently into the corner pocket to the audience’s delight – a start that could not have been better.
Warren Kiamco, not at all intimidated, immediately responded with a series of smooth shots, demonstrating his courage and extensive experience. The match continued to be tense, sometimes Reyes took the lead, sometimes Kiamco equalized the score. Both players competed with each other with their top techniques, extremely dangerous shots, and spectacular kiss balls - making the match no different from a top performance of two masters.
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But what really amazed the audience was not that Reyes could compete on par with Kiamco, but how he overcame his opponent when the match entered the crucial stage. In the 9th game, when the score was 4-4, Reyes made a "masse" - a curved spin shot through two blocking balls - to lightly touch the cue ball to the 3 ball and open up a winning position. The audience could hardly believe their eyes. The international commentator exclaimed: "That's magic! No one else does that at 68!"
Kiamco's spirit was somewhat affected after that situation. He made a mistake in the next play, creating an opportunity for Reyes to lead 5-4. Not missing the opportunity, Reyes seemed to be re-energized. Despite his advanced age, he remained calm and precise in every shot. As the match progressed, Reyes showed his “magician” qualities, gradually leading Kiamco into a passive position.
In the deciding game, with the score 6-5 in Reyes’ favor, all eyes were on the table. A small mistake could change the situation. Kiamco had a chance but missed the 5 ball – a rare mistake. Reyes stepped forward, hitting as if time had turned back. Each shot was gentle and precise, until the 9 ball was gently pushed into the center pocket – ending the match with a thrilling 7-5 victory.
The whole audience exploded. No one could have expected that at the age of 68, Efren Reyes could defeat a strong opponent like Warren Kiamco in such a high-level match. The international media immediately reported: “The Legend Lives On – Reyes Defeats Kiamco in a Masterpiece!” (The legend lives on – Reyes beats Kiamco in a billiards masterpiece!). Fans flooded forums and social networks, calling him “immortal”, “a legend that never fades”.
After the match, Reyes said modestly: “I just tried to play the way I always played, and luckily everything went the way I wanted. Warren is a great opponent, I respect him very much.” But everyone understands, it is not luck – it is genius, the pinnacle that only a few people in the world can reach, especially at the age of nearly 70.
This victory is not only meaningful to Reyes, but also a symbol of the spirit of not giving up, proof that age is just a number when you have true passion. It inspired millions of people, from young players to the elderly who are pursuing their dreams – that if you don’t give up, no one can beat you.
And so, once again, “The Wizard Efren” casts his magic on the billiard table – where he not only plays a match, but also tells a story about will, about art and about a living legend. When the spotlight shines on his face, wrinkled by time, people do not see an old man about to retire – but see a warrior, an artist, a teacher, and above all – an icon that will never be extinguished in the history of world billiards.
