In the professional billiards world, the name Efren âBataâ Reyes has always been a living symbol of legend â not only because of his countless titles, but also because of his âmagicalâ playing style, which goes beyond all limits of what a human being can achieve. And once again, that was proven in a classic match with Bobby Pickle, a veteran American player who once claimed that he would make Efren âsweatâ on the table. But what happened next was a feast of skills, where the Filipino Wizard showed off perfect shots that left his opponent⊠speechless.
The match took place within the framework of a famous exhibition tournament in the US, which gathered excellent players from all over the world. Despite the show, no one in the professional world dared to take this match lightly, especially when Bobby Pickle â a player with a strong, bold style â announced to the media that he would "teach Reyes a lesson."
When the starting whistle blew, the atmosphere in the stadium seemed to sink. All eyes were on the two players standing in front of the table. Bobby started with a powerful break, showing his confidence. The match was initially quite even as both players showed their top skills. But then, in a seemingly hopeless situation, Efren Reyes made a shot that left everyone gasping.
The number 2 ball was near the edge of the table, blocked by the number 5 and 9 balls. No one thought it was possible to hit this ball without making a mistake. But Reyes, after a few seconds of contemplation, bent down, adjusted the cue at an extremely difficult angle, and gently pushed the shot... Ball number 2 ran an unusual curve, skirted the two blocks and lightly hit the hole - exactly as calculated by the machine. The whole stadium exploded! Bobby Pickle stood there, his face pale, unable to believe his eyes.
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The commentator shouted loudly: "What kind of shot was that?! That's Efren Reyes magic, ladies and gentlemen!" (What kind of shot was that?! That's Efren Reyes magic, ladies and gentlemen!).
But that was only the beginning.
The match continued with Reyes' surreal performances. Each shot seemed to carry absolute precision, each ball control mesmerized the whole stadium. At times, Bobby Pickle thought he had the game under control - but after just a small miss, Reyes immediately took advantage of the opportunity with a magical "run-out" sequence. Whether in a difficult position, sandwiched between two blocks, having to make a three-pointer or use a masse, Reyes handled it as if it were the easiest thing in the world.
The audience in attendance cheered. They were not just watching a match, but witnessing a performance on a green table â where every shot was both strategically calculated and aesthetically pleasing.
A middle-aged spectator exclaimed: âI came here to watch pool, but what Iâm seeing is poetry in motion. This man isnât playing pool â heâs rewriting it!â (I came here to watch pool, but what Iâm seeing is poetry in motion. This man isnât playing pool â heâs rewriting it!).
Bobby Pickle was clearly under pressure. Even though he was a veteran player, facing Reyesâ âunbelievableâ shots, he began to falter. Small mistakes gradually appeared. And Reyes â with his immeasurable skill and experience â did not give him a chance to correct his mistakes. He continued his series of perfect shots, clearing the table like an unstoppable tornado.
By the final game, Pickle was almost defeated. But instead of showing arrogance, Reyes smiled, nodded slightly to his opponent as a sign of respect. The finishing shot â a smooth carom into the 9 ball â closed the match with an absolute victory for Reyes. Not a victory in terms of score, but an absolute victory in terms of class, in terms of the pinnacle of art in competition.
After the match, when interviewed, Bobby Pickle was still in shock. He said with a sigh:
"I thought I could push him... but he didnât even need to try too hard. Iâve never seen someone make the impossible look so easy. Iâm honored â and humbled â to play against him."
(I thought I could put pressure on him⊠but he didnât even have to try too hard. Iâve never seen anyone make the impossible look so easy. It was an honor â and a humbling â to play against him.)
The story of the fight quickly went viral on social media. Clips of Reyesâs punches were shared millions of times, with many calling it one of the best exhibition matches of Reyesâ career, despite having beaten countless masters.