The clash between the Philippine billiards legend Efren “Bata” Reyes and the Taiwanese billiards prodigy – the one nicknamed “Son of Pool” – created a historic match that no one could forget. The stadium was packed with people, the audience was on the edge of their seats, and on social media, millions of people followed every stroke of the two legends from two different generations.
On one side was the living symbol of the world billiards, the one nicknamed “The Magician” for his incredible shots – Efren Reyes. On the other side was the rising phenomenon of Taiwan, the golden boy with a cool, precise style and a steely spirit – the one the world calls “Son of Pool”. A battle that was not only about technique, but also about courage, perseverance, and above all, a battle between tradition and modernity.
From the very beginning, both made the audience hold their breath. Efren Reyes, despite being over 60, still maintained the aura of a “magician”. The shots contained many layers of calculation, making the opponent wary. Meanwhile, “Son of Pool” played with a cool, mature style beyond his age. He was not pressured by Reyes’s reputation, and even took the initiative to attack from the beginning, making the match extremely tense.
The first game witnessed a strong start from the Taiwanese player. With decisive, error-free shots, he won overwhelmingly, making many Filipino audiences worried. But Efren did not show any signs of wavering. He just smiled slightly, as if he was used to being cornered.
And then in the second game, “The Magician” began to show off his familiar skills: a perfect masse to clear the pile, a precise kick that sent the cue ball in a seemingly non-existent path, and a bank shot that made the whole audience explode. He tied the game 1-1 spectacularly.
VIDEO :
From there, the match turned into a frenzy: each game was a breathless chase for points. Both sides took turns leading, then being tied, then taking the lead again. Reyes, with his vast experience, always tried to control the game, while his young opponent showed the spirit of the new generation - not afraid, not retreating, and ready to play head-to-head with the legend.
One of the most memorable moments came in the seventh game. In an extremely difficult position - the black ball was close to the edge of the table, the cue ball was stuck behind a bunch of balls, almost impossible to hit. Everyone thought Reyes would have to play defense. But no, he stepped back, looked carefully, then made a jump shot with millimeter precision, sending the cue ball bouncing over the block ball, lightly touching the black ball and making it roll slowly into the corner pocket. The entire audience exploded. "That's not a shot - that's magic!" one commentator exclaimed.
However, the “Son of Pool” was not easily defeated. He responded with a series of three consecutive games, including one that made Reyes stand up and applaud – a masse that circled three balls, sending the cue ball into the right corner to hit the target ball. The audience could not believe their eyes: perhaps “The Magician” had met a true successor!
The match entered the deciding game – the 13th game – with the score tied at 6-6. Everyone held their breath. The atmosphere in the auditorium was as tense as a string. At this point, the difference between skill and experience began to speak. Reyes, with his rare composure, skillfully controlled the balls and created a perfect layout. But just as he was about to finish the final ball – a seemingly simple shot down the table – a shocking event occurred: the cue ball slipped slightly, hit the edge of the table and went in the wrong direction! The entire audience was stunned. Reyes had made a mistake.
“Son of Pool” did not miss this opportunity. He stepped up, completed the shot with absolute coolness. When the last ball fell into the pocket, he did not celebrate loudly. Instead, he turned and bowed to Efren Reyes – a gesture that moved the entire audience.
At the end of the match, Reyes shook hands with his opponent, then smiled and said: “This boy is the future of world billiards.” The words were simple but powerful. Reyes did not lose in a defeated position – he lost in a match where he showed all the best of himself, and inspired the next generation.
The Filipino audience may be sad about the result, but they are also proud that their idol still maintains his legendary status. As for the Taiwanese audience, this is the moment that marks a new era. “Son of Pool” is no longer a nickname – it is a reality. A new genius has emerged, after a confrontation full of drama, unexpected twists, and an ending that made everyone exclaim: "This is a historic match!"
