In the world of billiards, there are names that transcend glory and accolades, becoming immortal icons. And no one demonstrates that more clearly than “The Wizard” Efren “Bata” Reyes – the man who turned a cue stick into a wand. When news of his Farewell Tour spread, not only the billiards community but also the sports world was shocked. People knew they were about to say goodbye to a living legend – a rare stage artist in human history.
As soon as Reyes stepped onto the stage during one of the final stages of the Farewell Tour, the whole stadium exploded. The cheers, the applause, the flashbulbs were as bright as if they were welcoming a rock superstar onto the stage. But the special thing here is: Reyes didn’t need music or lighting effects to make the audience crazy. He just needed a cue stick and a green table.
From the very first minute, the fans had the feeling that they were about to witness something far more than a regular pool match. It was a display of precision, creativity, and sheer sportsmanship. Reyes, in his mid-60s, still had the easygoing gait, the piercing eyes, and most importantly: the cool head and natural acumen. Perhaps only he had the ability to make a shot on the 4 ball look like magic.
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That match was not just a competition, but a performance of emotion. Reyes was up against one of the world's rising young players - a man with speed, power, and a hunger to prove himself. But what his opponent lacked was: "experience and magic."
In the very first game, Reyes set the whole arena ablaze with a reflex shot by... turning his back to the table. A no-look shot hit the 2 ball, after the cue ball touched three cushions and went perfectly into the corner pocket. The fans couldn't believe their eyes. The opponent smiled wryly - because he knew that he was not just playing against an athlete, but facing a great artist.
The atmosphere in the stadium heated up with each shot. Every time Reyes bent down to finish, the whole stadium fell silent. And then, when the cue ball rolled gently into the pocket - as if pre-programmed - the screams rang out. Some cried with emotion. Some stood up and shouted: "Bata! Bata!" Some people livestreamed on the spot, as if wanting to preserve every sacred moment of a legend on his way to farewell.
And in a magical moment in the fourth game, Reyes made a shot that seemed impossible. The cue ball was stuck between the two opponent balls, with absolutely no clear angle. Everyone thought he would play defensively, but no – Reyes looked around the table, then gently pushed the cue ball to hit one edge of the table, then gently spun it around the 7 ball, hit the desired spot, and pocketed the 3 ball like a dream. The whole stadium exploded in applause and cheers. The TV commentator exclaimed: “That’s impossible! But this is Efren Reyes – and nothing is impossible with him!”
It was more than just a match, it was also a tribute. After the match, Reyes was invited up on stage, where the organizers presented him with a souvenir trophy – not for winning, but to honor a career that had completely changed the game of billiards. He said simply: “I didn’t think I would go this far. I just love this game, and I just want to play it every day.” Those simple words brought tears to the eyes of thousands of spectators. Because they knew, they were witnessing the final moments of a legendary chapter.
Reyes may not have the reflexes of a 20-year-old, but he still has the softest hands and sharpest mind of anyone. And that’s what makes him special. The Farewell Tour is not just a farewell to a great player – it’s a farewell to an icon of passion, dedication and extraordinary talent.
The international media calls it the “Demolition Tour of Magic,” where Reyes destroys opponents not with aggression, but with unbelievable talent. An ESPN journalist wrote: “We came to see a legend end his career. But we left feeling like we had witnessed a legend born again.”
No one knows exactly how long the Farewell Tour will last, because Reyes – as he himself once said – “will play until his hands can’t hold the cue anymore.” But one thing is certain: every time he appears on the stage, history is rewritten. And while he may be gone from the playing field, his legacy will live on in the hearts of his fans.
Efren Reyes is more than just an athlete. He is a chapter in the history of the world of billiards. He is proof that passion, creativity and the heart of an artist can reach any limit. His Farewell Tour is not an end – it is a reminder that the magic never really goes away.
