In a match that brought together experience, talent, and electric crowd energy, Efren “Bata” Reyes, the Filipino billiards legend, faced off against Hanoi’s No.1 9-ball player in an unforgettable showdown. At the age of 69, many would expect a former champion to simply make a guest appearance—maybe play a few friendly racks and bask in applause. But not Efren. Not "The Magician."
What happened instead was a masterclass, a reminder, and for many young players in the crowd: a lesson they’ll never forget. The arena in Hanoi was packed, filled with diehard billiards fans, local professionals, and curious newcomers who had only heard whispers of Reyes’ legendary status. But by the end of the match, they weren’t just fans—they were witnesses to a timeless display of pool brilliance.
The Setting: Vietnam Welcomes a Legend
From the moment Reyes entered the venue, the crowd roared in admiration. Phones came out instantly, capturing every step, every smile, and every touch of his iconic cue. For Vietnamese billiards enthusiasts, having Efren Reyes compete on their soil was nothing short of an honor.
His opponent? A confident, skilled young champion widely regarded as the top 9-ball player in Hanoi—a master in his own right, known for his strong break shots, precise cue ball control, and calculated finishes. While respectful of Reyes, the young player clearly had one goal: to beat the legend.
VIDEO :
Round 1 – Experience Speaks First
From the opening break, Efren set the tone. Though slightly slower in movement than his prime years, his mental sharpness, shot selection, and table vision remained untouched.
In one of the early racks, Reyes found himself locked behind a wall of balls, seemingly without a clear shot. The crowd leaned in. He paused, chalked his cue… and delivered a four-rail kick shot that made perfect contact and left the cue ball nestled behind a blocker. The room erupted.
His opponent, clearly surprised, smiled in disbelief. It wasn’t just a return—it was a message: “I may be 69, but I still see things others don’t.”
Round 2 – A Duel of Generations
As the match progressed, the young Hanoi champion found his rhythm, taking a couple of racks with clean, fast finishes. The Vietnamese crowd cheered in support—he was their hometown hero, after all. But Reyes remained calm, unbothered, and always calculating.
Then came "The Shot." In rack five, Reyes faced a shot that would challenge anyone—cue ball frozen near the rail, object ball tucked in the corner pocket with a blocker close by. What did he do?
A 90-degree masse shot.
The cue ball curved around the obstacle, hit the target ball dead-on, and the 9-ball dropped smoothly. For a moment, the room went silent, trying to process what had just happened. Then it exploded in applause. Fans jumped to their feet. Even his opponent clapped, shaking his head with a grin that said: “I didn’t know that was possible.”
The Crowd Reacts – "He’s Not Human!"
From that point on, the match turned into a magic show. Efren wasn’t just playing; he was performing. His safety plays were brutal, his positional shots defied logic, and even his misses set traps for his opponent.
In one rack, the Hanoi player managed to clear the table—only to scratch the cue ball on the 9-ball. Reyes stepped up, pocketed it cleanly, and bowed lightly as the crowd laughed and applauded. It wasn’t arrogance—it was pure sportsmanship from a master still having fun.
People in the audience could be heard saying:
-
“This man is from another planet.”
-
“He’s playing with the table like it’s a toy.”
-
“At 69? He’s better than players in their 20s!”
Strategy Over Power
While his opponent favored strong, aggressive play, Reyes displayed a different kind of dominance: mental warfare. He played safeties that left almost no options. He used cushions like they were laser-guided tools. And every time the crowd thought he was cornered, he pulled out yet another “Efren moment.”
A particularly legendary moment came when he used a double-bank shot—a move that most players avoid due to its risk. Not only did Reyes make it, but he left the cue ball perfectly aligned for the next shot. The commentators on livestream could barely keep up, laughing in disbelief:
“That’s not pool—that’s wizardry.”
The Final Racks – Respect and Awe
Though the young Vietnamese player gave a solid performance, it was clear: he was outclassed. Not in strength, not in age, but in the ability to see beyond the table—to play the game three, four shots ahead like a grandmaster.
After the final 9-ball dropped, the entire venue gave Reyes a standing ovation. His opponent came over, bowed respectfully, and shared a short exchange. While no microphones caught it, lip readers claimed Reyes said:
“You play very well. Just keep learning. The game will take care of you.”
A Legacy That Transcends Borders
For Vietnamese fans, this match was more than entertainment—it was history. Watching Efren Reyes, 69 years old, outplay a top-tier young champion reminded the world that talent fades, but genius doesn’t.
It also served as inspiration: you don’t need to be young to be great—you just need to understand the game, love the craft, and play with heart.
