Efren "Bata" Reyes, widely known as "The Magician," has long been considered one of the greatest pool players to ever hold a cue. His legend spans continents, filled with iconic moments that have left fans and opponents alike in awe of his skill and tactical genius.
One of the most memorable displays of his talent came during the UPA Pro 9-Ball Finals, where Reyes faced off against the formidable American player Jeremy Jones.
It was a match destined to become a classic, one that would see Reyes not only hit hard but demonstrate his ace game in ways that would further cement his legendary status.
As the finals began, the atmosphere in the venue was electric. The anticipation was palpable, with fans packing the stands eager to witness two top-tier players battle it out for the championship.
Jeremy Jones, a powerhouse in his own right, had clawed his way through the tournament, showcasing his own sharp shooting and strategic prowess. However, standing in his way was Reyes, a player known for pulling off impossible shots with a calm demeanor that belied the intensity of his game.
From the very first break, it was clear that Reyes was in his element. His opening shot sent the cue ball crashing into the rack, scattering the balls with precise control. The crack of the break reverberated through the room, setting the tone for what would be an aggressive yet calculated performance.
VIDEO :
Reyes had always been known for his methodical approach to the game—never rushed, always thinking three or four shots ahead. Against Jones, that approach was in full effect. His cue ball control was impeccable, and his ability to navigate the table with seemingly effortless grace was on full display.
Jones, to his credit, didn’t back down. He fought valiantly, returning Reyes’ shots with power and precision, but it quickly became apparent that Reyes was operating on a different level.
One of the key moments of the match came in the middle frames, when Reyes faced a particularly difficult layout. The 9-ball was nestled awkwardly near the rail, with several other balls obstructing a clear path to the pocket. Lesser players might have struggled to find a way out of the situation, but Reyes approached it with the calm and confidence that had become his trademark.
Taking his time, Reyes carefully surveyed the table, weighing his options. In what can only be described as a moment of pure magic, he executed a rail-first shot that not only avoided the cluster of balls but sent the cue ball spinning perfectly into position for his next shot.
The crowd erupted in applause, recognizing that they had just witnessed something extraordinary. Reyes, ever humble, simply gave a slight nod and moved on to the next shot. For him, this was business as usual.
Jones, meanwhile, was visibly shaken. While he had entered the match with confidence, believing he had the skill set to challenge Reyes, it was becoming clear that he was up against something more than just raw talent. Reyes’ ability to control the pace of the game, to dictate the flow of the match, was wearing Jones down. Each time Jones thought he had found a way back into the game, Reyes would counter with a shot so precise, so masterful, that it seemed to break his opponent’s spirit.
As the match progressed, Reyes began to pull away, widening the gap between him and Jones. His break shots were consistently devastating, often leaving Jones with little to no options for a response.
But what truly set Reyes apart in this match was his ability to capitalize on even the smallest of opportunities. There was no room for error when playing against Reyes—any mistake was immediately punished. Jones found this out the hard way when a slight miscalculation on a safety play left Reyes with an opening. Without hesitation, Reyes cleared the table, running out the rack with clinical precision.
The final few racks of the match were a testament to Reyes' endurance and mental fortitude. Even as the pressure mounted, with the championship within reach, Reyes remained calm and composed. His focus never wavered, and his shot selection was impeccable.
By the time he approached the final 9-ball of the match, the outcome was all but certain. Reyes lined up the shot, took a deep breath, and with one smooth stroke, sent the 9-ball into the pocket. The crowd erupted into cheers, recognizing the brilliance of what they had just witnessed.
In the aftermath of the match, Reyes was gracious as always. He praised Jones for his effort and acknowledged that the match had been a tough battle. But those who had watched knew the truth—Reyes had not just won the match; he had dominated it.
His performance was a masterclass in 9-ball, a demonstration of why he was considered the best in the world. Every aspect of his game had been on display: the power of his break, the precision of his shots, the tactical brilliance of his safety plays, and above all, his ability to stay calm under pressure.
Jeremy Jones, for his part, handled the defeat with grace. He admitted that playing against Reyes was like facing a different kind of challenge, one that required more than just technical skill.
"You can't just play your game against Efren," Jones remarked in a post-match interview. "You have to think about what he's thinking, and even then, he's always a step ahead."
In the years that followed, the UPA Pro 9-Ball Finals between Reyes and Jones became a reference point for those studying the game. Coaches, analysts, and aspiring players all looked back on that match as a prime example of how to play under pressure, how to dominate without overwhelming force, and how to win with grace.
Reyes had shown the world, once again, why he was called "The Magician." On that day, against Jeremy Jones, he hit hard and demonstrated his ace game, leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind about his place in the pantheon of pool legends.
