In the world of billiards, the name Efren "Bata" Reyes is synonymous with mystery, magic, and the ability to leave both spectators and opponents speechless with each move he makes. But in a memorable match with Hawaiian-American player Rodney "The Rocket" Morris, Reyes' shot went beyond what anyone could have imagined. That shot not only changed the game, but also made Rodney Morris, a seasoned player, exclaim: "I couldn't believe my eyes!"
The match took place as part of an exhibition tournament that many fans were waiting for. Morris entered the match with confidence, carrying with him a reputation as one of the most powerful and daring players in the United States. Facing him was a living icon - Efren Reyes, who was once honored as the "Wizard of Billiards", not because of his speed or power, but because of his intelligence and unpredictable moves.
From the very first shots, the audience had the opportunity to witness the clear difference between the two styles. Morris played fast, decisively, always trying to overwhelm his opponent with direct attacks. Meanwhile, Reyes was calm, leisurely, as if he was playing a game of chess. And then the unexpected happened on the fourth shot - when Morris was leading and seemed to have complete control of the match.
Efren was faced with a situation that most other players would choose the safe solution: the cue ball was stuck between the other balls, there was no clear path, and all eyes were on him, waiting to see what the "Wizard" would do. Rodney Morris, from his seat, frowned slightly, his eyes full of doubt. A few whispers in the stands: "Will he push the ball out?", "Or hit it back?", "There's nothing you can do in this situation..."
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But then, Reyes leaned down, considered for a few seconds, and then gently made the shot. No force. No exhilarating jerk. Just a soft touch with an exquisite spin. The cue ball rolled slowly, touched the ice lightly, then turned sharply to the left, slipped through the narrow gap between the other two balls – a gap no one thought could fit – and gently touched the target ball, sending it into the pocket with incredible precision.
The crowd fell silent for a few seconds. Rodney Morris jumped out of his seat, holding his head. His expression was a mixture of shock, admiration, and disbelief. He turned to look at Reyes as if to ask, “How did you do that?” In the stands, the fans gradually exploded in cheers, some standing up and applauding.
Morris later told the media: “I have played with many good players, I also thought I could predict the situation on the table. But not with Efren. That shot… was really a mystery. I think he saw an angle that no one else could see.”
Even veteran commentators could not explain that shot. One of them said: “I have watched billiards for more than 30 years, but I have never seen a shot like that. Not because of the power, but because of the ability to read the table and control the ball beyond all normal physical laws.”
After that shot, Morris's spirit wavered somewhat. Although he still played well, the expression on his face showed that he was always haunted by that moment. Meanwhile, Reyes seemed to enter a different state – leisurely, full of confidence, like an artist controlling his brush to create a masterpiece on the green table.
Part of what made that shot so “legendary” was the way Reyes executed it. No rush. No emotion. Just absolute calmness. And that’s what made him different. While most players needed time to think and hesitate, Reyes seemed to have the answer as soon as he stepped up to the table.
The match ended in Reyes’s victory, but the result was no longer so important to those who witnessed it. What people could not forget was that “mysterious shot” – a testament to Efren Reyes’ talent, intelligence and limitless creativity.
Years later, when talking about that match, Rodney Morris still remembered it clearly: “It was not simply a winning shot. It was a lesson. A reminder that, with Reyes, you can't predict anything. He didn't just play pool - he painted pool with shots that no one could have expected.”
And perhaps, in the hearts of fans, that shot will forever be a testament to the existence of a legend - Efren "Bata" Reyes, who made pool an art, and turned each match into a symphony of emotions and surprises.
