The buzz in the billiards world was palpable as fans and professionals alike eagerly anticipated one of the most thrilling exhibition matches of the year.
Two of the sport’s titans—Efren “Bata” Reyes and Shane Van Boening—were set to square off in an exhibition match that promised to feature not just their masterful skills, but also an array of dazzling trick shots.
This was not about championship titles, rankings, or tournament glory; this was about showcasing their artistry, creativity, and love for the game in its purest, most entertaining form.
Efren Reyes, known as "The Magician," is widely regarded as the greatest pool player to have ever graced the sport. His nickname comes from his near-supernatural ability to pull off impossible shots, leaving opponents and spectators alike in awe.
Shane Van Boening, on the other hand, represents the modern face of pool in America. Known for his rock-solid fundamentals, impeccable break, and sharp mental game, Van Boening has carved out his own legacy in the sport.
VIDEO :
While their playing styles differ, their shared commitment to excellence and their standing as two of the best players in the world have long fueled fan interest in any contest between them.
The announcement of the exhibition match took the anticipation to a fever pitch. An exhibition was always a chance to see a lighter, more creative side of these players—an opportunity for them to entertain the crowd with shots that would never be attempted in serious competition.
As word spread that the match would feature a heavy dose of trick shots, both Reyes and Van Boening’s fan bases knew they were in for a treat. Would the match favor Reyes, with his reputation for cunning and creativity? Or would Van Boening, whose precision is the stuff of legend, outshine the Magician in this unique format?
While exhibitions are usually played in good spirits, there was still a palpable sense of rivalry between the two. Reyes, who had enjoyed decades of success, had already proven himself as a master of the trick shot.
His legendary “Z-Shot” and his bank shot mastery had been burned into the memories of billiards enthusiasts. Van Boening, though younger and more mechanical in his approach, was no stranger to trick shots either.
His control over the cue ball was often referred to as robotic in its precision, a perfect counterbalance to Reyes' improvisational flair.
The pre-match press event had both players trading compliments and banter. Van Boening was asked about playing against Reyes, to which he replied with a smile, "You never know what he's going to do next. He’s like a magician, literally. But that’s why it’s fun.
You get to see some shots you wouldn’t normally try in a tournament.” Reyes, in his usual humble manner, praised Van Boening’s consistency and ability to dominate even under pressure, but with a sly grin, he added, “But maybe I have some surprises for him tonight.”
As the exhibition match began, the atmosphere in the arena was electric. It wasn’t the hushed silence of a tournament final; instead, the crowd was buzzing with excitement, eager to see their idols pull off shots that defied logic.
Right from the break, Reyes demonstrated his legendary skill, effortlessly pocketing multiple balls and leaving the cue ball in a perfect position for his next shot.
But instead of going for a standard pot, he looked at the crowd with a mischievous grin and set up for one of his signature trick shots.
With the cue ball in hand, Reyes positioned it in a nearly impossible spot, tucked behind a cluster of balls near the rail. Everyone assumed he was attempting a safety or a delicate spin shot, but then, with a flick of his wrist, he performed a seemingly impossible jump shot over the cluster, banking the cue ball off two rails and pocketing his target ball. The crowd erupted in applause, and Van Boening couldn’t help but chuckle in admiration. It was a trick shot that only Reyes could pull off so effortlessly.
Van Boening, not to be outdone, soon had his moment to shine. Known for his power and control, he performed a series of stunning masse shots, curving the cue ball around obstacles as if defying the laws of physics.
One of his standout shots came when he executed a perfect masse, making the cue ball bend around three object balls to sink his target. Even Reyes had to stand back and clap after that one, acknowledging the sheer precision required for such a shot.
As the match progressed, both players continued to push the boundaries of what was possible. Reyes leaned heavily on his vast array of trick shots that had made him famous.
The crowd was treated to his infamous “kick shots,” where he used intricate combinations of rails to send the cue ball spinning around the table before making impossible pots.
At one point, Reyes even used his trademark “Z-Shot,” where he intentionally misdirected the cue ball only for it to travel in a Z-shaped pattern across the table, pocketing the ball on the third rail.
Van Boening countered with his deep understanding of angles and speed, controlling the cue ball with laser-like accuracy.
One of his most memorable moments came when he performed a bank shot that sent the cue ball bouncing across the table in a seemingly chaotic manner, only to have it land perfectly for a pot in the side pocket. The look of amazement on the crowd’s faces reflected the level of mastery they were witnessing.
What made the match truly special, however, was the camaraderie between the two players. Despite their fierce rivalry in official tournaments, Reyes and Van Boening frequently shared smiles, laughs, and even advice during the exhibition.
Several times, Van Boening would attempt a particularly difficult shot, only for Reyes to walk over and offer a tip or adjust his cue placement. It was a rare display of sportsmanship and mutual respect, something that only an exhibition match of this caliber could produce.
As the match neared its conclusion, both players were visibly having fun, and the audience was completely captivated. Reyes, always the showman, saved his best trick shot for last. With several balls spread across the table in seemingly impossible positions, he lined up the cue ball in a spot that made the crowd murmur in confusion. How was he planning to get out of this one?
Reyes performed an incredible, multi-rail shot that sent the cue ball flying around the table, zigzagging between balls, and finally sinking not one but two balls in a double bank shot that drew a standing ovation. Even Van Boening, usually stoic, was seen clapping and shaking his head in disbelief. It was vintage Reyes—crafty, creative, and unforgettable.
Not to be outdone, Van Boening had his own final act. He set up a full-table jump shot that required an almost inhuman amount of power and control. The cue ball soared through the air, cleared two object balls, hit the rail, and caromed into the corner pocket. The crowd exploded in cheers once again, acknowledging the brilliance of both players.
As the exhibition concluded, both Reyes and Van Boening stood side by side, taking in the applause from the audience. It wasn’t just a match; it was a celebration of billiards as an art form. Reyes and Van Boening had delivered a masterclass in trick shots, creativity, and sportsmanship. Fans left the arena buzzing with excitement, having witnessed two legends pushing the limits of their craft in a friendly but highly competitive setting.
For Reyes, it was another testament to his status as “The Magician,” a player who could still wow the crowd with his impossible shots even after decades of dominance. For Van Boening, it was a chance to showcase his precision and adaptability, proving that even against the greatest, he could hold his own and deliver moments of pure brilliance.
In the end, the exhibition was more than just a match; it was a reminder of why billiards continues to captivate audiences worldwide. When two masters of the game like Reyes and Van Boening come together, the result is nothing short of magical.
