In the world of billiards, where every shot is a sophisticated calculation and every emotion is as tense as a string, there is a name that makes both veteran players and young talents wary - Efren "Bata" Reyes, nicknamed "The Wizard", a living symbol of the world of billiards. With eyes as sharp as an eagle, tactical intelligence like an old general and hands as if magical, Reyes is not only a winner but also a person who makes his opponents never forget the feeling of losing.
In a recent match, an "unforgettable" event happened when a young player from Europe - praised by the media as "the successor of the golden generation" - confidently, even arrogantly, stood up to challenge Reyes. This young man, carrying pride and the cheers of fans, loudly declared to the media that "The era of Reyes is over. I will end that legend right here!"
That remark was like a slap in the face to the pride of true billiards lovers, and of course, it also touched Reyes' cold but delicate heart. Throughout his career, he rarely responded to criticism or challenges – he let the cue and the billiard table answer for him.
The match was held at a prestigious international friendly tournament, with a large audience from all over the world. When the two stepped onto the table, the generation gap was undeniable – on one side was a young player, full of energy, speed and modern technique; on the other side was a gray-haired man, slow and calm, but his eyes exuded experience and something that not everyone could read – magic.
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The match started with excitement from the young player. He scored continuously in the first game, his gestures were confident, his eyes glanced at Reyes with disdain. The young audience cheered, the international media began to "sniff" about a "historic overthrow". But Reyes remained silent, still sitting there, as if watching everything slow down in his mind.
It was Reyes' turn to take the cue. And then - the whole audience held its breath. The first shot was not too strong, not too flashy, but the ball rolled in the right trajectory as if controlled by hand. The next shot was an incredible ball-clearing, when the target ball was stuck between two blocking balls, Reyes used a perfect "masse" to bend the ball's path and gently put the target ball into the pocket. The audience screamed, the young cueist began to look confused. But that was not all, Reyes began to perform magic.
Each subsequent shot was a symphony of tactics and emotions. Reyes hit the ball back with such precision that it seemed he "saw the future" on the table. Shots that crossed three or four cushions, hit the edge of the table and returned to the desired position – something only those who have lived a full life with billiards can do.
The young player began to make mistakes. A missed shot, a shot with no power. While the pressure began to weigh heavily on him, Reyes remained calm, without a trace of arrogance. It was that calmness that was the most painful counterattack. Reyes did not need to respond with words – he just had to perform the art he had devoted his life to. And the audience began to change sides – from cheering the young player, they turned to admiring and standing up to applaud each shot Reyes made.
A four-cushion shot sent the object ball into the farthest corner, then the white ball stopped in the right place – impossibly perfect. The commentator was speechless, only repeating one phrase: “Magic… this is magic.”
The final game, Reyes finished with a flawless combo, as if he had rehearsed it a thousand times in his head. When the last ball fell into the pocket, the crowd erupted, but not with surprise, but with absolute respect.
The young player bowed his head. The arrogant face from earlier was gone now – replaced by a slight nod, as if in acknowledgement. Reyes said nothing, just walked over, put his hand on his opponent’s shoulder and smiled – no resentment, no blame, just the look of an experienced man telling the young man: “You have a lot to learn.”
This match was more than just a victory. It was a warning to those who thought that youth and confidence were enough to overthrow a legend. It was a great lesson in humility, in respecting those who have poured their sweat, tears and souls into each table for decades.
Efren Reyes, at nearly 70 years old, is still an icon. Not just because of what he did on the pool table, but also because of the way he taught arrogant people a valuable lesson without saying a word. And as one fan commented after the game: “Never mess with a wizard… unless you’re willing to be enchanted.”
