In the world of billiards, there are names that just by mentioning them are enough to make the listener respect. One of them is “The Wizard” Efren “Bata” Reyes – a living legend of the Philippine billiards community and the whole world. At the age of 68, he is not only a symbol of ingenuity and top tactics, but also a living proof of the saying: “Class is forever.”
However, that does not seem to make a young, ambitious and somewhat arrogant player wary. In a recent statement that shocked the billiards community, the young man declared: “I will beat Efren Reyes. He is only in the past. Our generation plays faster, more accurately, and with more courage.”
Those words immediately caused a storm on social networks. Fans were clearly divided into two factions. One faction supported the confidence of youth, considering this a necessary spirit to do great things. The other side believes that it is a manifestation of arrogance, ignorance and contempt for the values that Reyes has built over the past four decades. Because for many, Reyes is not just an athlete, he is a monument - someone who has completely changed the way people perceive this game.
The young man - named Jose Parica, 22 years old, from Japan - is known as a rising star in the Asian billiards scene. He has won several domestic titles and reached the knockout rounds of several international tournaments. Jose's style of play is more about speed and precision, but lacks tactical depth - something that Reyes has always excelled at.
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However, being flattered by the media in his home country, Jose became overconfident in himself. In a press conference before a friendly tournament where Reyes also participated, Riku did not hesitate to declare: "I am not afraid of him. I have studied his style of play on YouTube. I know how to counter him."
But who is Reyes? He is not just a good billiard player. He is a “magician” with a cue in his hand, who can see the impossible ball paths, creating shots that surprise the world. And most importantly, he is a person who has experienced thousands of big and small matches, his experience and courage are things that any young athlete dreams of.
When the match officially took place, people did not have to wait long to see the difference between a confident young player and a true legend. Jose entered the match with great enthusiasm, winning a few first tables that made the audience think that something unexpected was about to happen. But then... Reyes' miracle began to appear.
With a calm gaze, a gentle smile and each step as if he was taking a walk, Reyes turned the tables without a moment of hesitation. His shots were not only precise but also extremely calculated, forcing Jose into a completely passive position. Any openings the young man had were thoroughly exploited by Reyes. The most notable was the “one touch three cushions” shot in the eighth game – the shot that made the whole audience stand up and applaud, while Jose could only shake his head in silence. That was when many people understood why Reyes was called “The Wizard”.
Jose began to lose his composure. From confidence to anxiety, then to confusion. He missed many simple shots, and then his spirit completely collapsed. The match ended with a difference in score – Reyes won 9-3 easily. Without celebrating, without showing off, he simply shook his opponent’s hand and smiled: “You played well. But always remember – never underestimate experience.”
After the match, social media exploded. Those who had criticized Riku began to quip: “Playing on YouTube cannot beat playing in real life.” Meanwhile, Reyes' fans once again admired the calm, class and demeanor of a legend.
As for Jose, he did not shy away from the media. In the post-match interview, his voice dropped: “I was too confident. I thought I knew everything just because I watched a few videos and won a few matches. But today I learned a big lesson: Greatness is not measured by age or titles, but by how a person faces challenges. Reyes is great, and I apologize for disrespecting him.”
The story of Jose and Reyes has become a typical example of the difference between "positive confidence" and "dangerous complacency." It is also a strong reminder to the younger generation that, no matter how talented you are, humility and respect for those who have gone before you are always necessary on the path to the top.
Efren Reyes, at 68, no longer needs to prove anything. But every time he steps on the stage, he still teaches the world valuable lessons – not only about technique, but also about attitude and how to face challenges. And perhaps, that is the reason why he is still the “Wizard” – the person that the whole billiards world always respects and loves.
