In the world of billiards, where precise shots and subtle strategies determine victory or defeat, there are moments so unexpected that they leave both the experts and the audience gasping in amazement. And one of those moments just happened in the confrontation between Filipino legend Efren “Bata” Reyes and rising American star Billy Thorpe.
A shot that seemed wrong, but left the world stunned. Billy Thorpe, for a moment, could not believe what he was witnessing. He blurted out: “I can’t believe my eyes!”
The clash between two generations, two different styles – one with magical improvisation, the other with youthful vigor – has become one of the most anticipated matches of the year. Billy Thorpe, with his form on the rise and his spirit soaring, stepped onto the table with obvious confidence.
He had defeated many big names, once considered the future of American billiards. And today, his opponent was a grandfather – literally – but also the “father” of the impossible shot: Efren “The Magician” Reyes.
Right from the first shots, Billy showed determination. He controlled the table well, imposed the tempo, constantly forced Reyes into a defensive position.
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Many spectators thought that this could be the day when the “Living Legend” would have to bow to the new generation. But for those who have watched Reyes for a long time, they knew one thing: never underestimate him, even when he is losing.
And then, the unbelievable moment happened in the fourth set.
Billy led 2-1 and continued to control the game. His safe shot left the cue ball far behind the three blocking balls – a situation many people considered a “dead-end” – with absolutely no way to reach the object ball. The commentators also began to discuss the possibility that Reyes would concede a foul, or at least leave an opening for Billy to finish the game.
But Reyes only looked at the table for a few seconds, then leaned down. No one expected a “horrific” shot – risky and illogical – to be the answer.
He swung the cue, hit a very strange shot, hit the edge of the table at a very narrow angle. The cue ball bounced in an unpredictable curve, passed between the two block balls, hit the object ball… and pocketed it perfectly.
The crowd was stunned.
Billy jumped up from his chair, eyes wide and unable to believe what he had just witnessed. He turned to the umpire, then back to the screen. He laughed in disbelief and exclaimed in a surprised voice: “I CAN’T BELIEVE MY EYES!”
The cameras immediately replayed the play. The commentator shouted in excitement: “Ladies and gentlemen, that’s not just pool… that’s magic!” – a magical performance that only Efren Reyes was crazy enough – and talented enough – to dare to do.
From that moment on, the game was completely reversed.
Billy, though young and full of energy, seemed to be “obsessed” by that shot. His subsequent shots no longer had the confidence and precision of the beginning of the match. Reyes, on the other hand – as if reinvigorated – performed a series of “unconventional” moves that left Billy just sitting there watching. Chalk shots, double-strap shots, triple-spin shots… he did everything as if he were “painting” on a green table.
The more he played, the more Reyes seemed to be absorbed. And Billy? His face changed dramatically – from confidence, to confusion, to acceptance. That “horrific” shot was not just a brilliant technique, it was the most powerful psychological blow Reyes delivered in the match.
At the end of the match, Billy shook Reyes’ hand and smiled wryly: “Sir, I don’t know how you did that. You just broke my brain.” Reyes just smiled gently, as he had done for many years. To him, it was just “one more shot.” ​​But to the world, it was a living legend who continues to write immortal pages.
After the match, social media exploded with the video of the shot. In just 12 hours, the slow-motion video of the shot had more than 3 million views and thousands of comments.
One person wrote: “This is why Reyes is called The Magician. He doesn’t play pool, he bends physics.” Another commented: “Billy is great, but he just got schooled by a master. That shot belongs in a museum.”
This match was more than just another victory in Reyes’s massive career. It is a reminder that, while age may make the hands tremble, the mind and heart of a genius never grow old. For Billy Thorpe, it was a valuable lesson – that in billiards, there is more than just power, there is also flair, creativity, and… sometimes magic.
Efren Reyes – at nearly 70 – continues to inspire, continues to make new generations exclaim: “I couldn’t believe my eyes!” And perhaps, that is what makes him the greatest of all time.;
