In the world of billiards, few people have never heard of the "Wizard" Efren Reyes - a man from the Philippines who created a legend with his magical playing style and shots that made the whole world admire. At the age of 68, when most professional players have retired, Reyes continues to appear in friendly matches, exhibition matches and even top-level matches, making fans everywhere constantly admire.
Recently, in an exhibition match in Thailand, Reyes once again proved his timeless class. This time his opponent was a young female player, famous on social networks for her beautiful appearance, confidence and not-so-bad billiards skills. She once bluntly declared in a press conference before the match: "I respect him very much, but perhaps Reyes's era is over. I want to prove that youth, boldness and modern technology can win over experience."
The audience chuckled, and Reyes just nodded, smiling a familiar smile – the smile of someone who had heard those words at least a hundred times in her life.
Right from the first shots, the young girl showed her confidence. She entered the match with a confident, even somewhat arrogant demeanor. Her headers were not bad, her technique was precise, her hand speed was quick. She continuously aimed at the target balls decisively and scored points. Many people began to think, was this the day Reyes would have to "give in" to the new generation?
But then, it was Reyes' turn. With a slow gait, sharp eyes and hands that did not shake despite being 68 years old, he stepped up to the pool table. Right from the first shot, everyone held their breath. The cue gently touched the white ball, and then... a series of other balls began to move, falling into the holes accurately and perfectly. Without any fanfare, Reyes used light, simple shots that seemed like anyone could do them – but so tactical that no one else dared to try them.
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The match became a one-sided spectacle. The young female player began to look confused. Her confidence gradually disappeared as Reyes performed impossible shots – spins, curves, and especially “massé” shots that sent the ball flying in arcs like magic. These shots not only made the audience applaud continuously, but also left her opponent speechless.
One of the most memorable moments was when Reyes encountered a seemingly impossible situation. The white ball was stuck behind two other balls, with no direct path to the target ball. Everyone expected him to choose the safe option – but Reyes bent down, looked around for a few seconds, and then performed the “bowing and nodding” shot that he was famous for. The ball spun hard, went over the barrier, lightly touched the tape, then hit the target ball and went into the pocket perfectly. The whole audience exploded. The girl could only stand there in amazement.
After the match, the young female player could not hide her confusion. She said: “I really didn’t think he could keep up his form like that. I thought his age would slow him down, but no – he seemed to read every ball, every thought I had. Every shot he made was like an expensive lesson for me.”
Reyes, as usual, kept his composure. He shared: “I didn’t come here to win or to prove anything. I just want to play pool the way I have played all my life – with passion and respect for my opponent. She has great potential, just don’t get too confident before you really understand the game.”
This match quickly went viral on social media. Billiards fans everywhere shared the clip of the match, with comments like: “This is why he is called the Wizard,” or “Age is just a number when you are Efren Reyes.” Many joked: “If you have never been taught a lesson by Reyes, you are not a real player.”
This story is not just a victory for Reyes – it is also a reminder for the younger generation: talent is necessary, but experience, humility and understanding of the sport are what create legends. Efren Reyes, even though he is on the other side of his career, is still a living testament to the immortality of passion. For him, each shot is not only a technique, but also an art, an emotion, a history.
And that young girl – although she may have lost, she must have received the most valuable lesson of her career. A lesson that no textbook, no YouTube, no coach can teach: never underestimate a man who once dominated the world of billiards with his brains, talent, and heart.
Whoever you are, wherever you come from – when you face the “Wizard” Efren Reyes, be ready to bow your head. Not out of defeat, but out of respect for a genius who made history.
