In the world of billiards, where accurate shots can determine both reputation and career, nothing is more precious than absolute concentration. But on that fateful day, the heart of “The Wizard” Efren Reyes was no longer intact.
On the eve of an important match with American legend Johnny Archer, Efren received the terrible news: his father – his first teacher, the one who put a cue in his hands when he was a poor boy in Pampanga – had passed away. It was not only a physical loss, but also a mental breakdown, a fatal blow to the heart of the filial son.
But what fans could not forget was the way Efren faced that tragedy. No one expected him to still appear in the match. Many were mentally prepared for the match to be postponed. But no… Efren arrived on time, with a pensive face, red eyes but determined, holding the familiar cue – as if he had brought his father’s soul into the ring.
Johnny Archer – a great opponent, not only strong in technique but also in character – walked to the pool table with respect for Reyes. When he heard that Efren’s father had just passed away, Archer approached, gently shook his opponent’s hand and said: “If you need time, I’ll wait.” But Reyes just silently nodded, as if to say: “I will play. Because my father always wanted to see me fight.”
The match began in a heavy atmosphere. The arena was unusually silent. The entire audience held their breath, watching Reyes’ every move.
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Those who had watched him knew that Reyes was a very calm person, but this time, there was something different – silence, sorrow, but still maintaining the demeanor of a legend. Each of his shots carried love, nostalgia, and respect for his late father.
Johnny Archer played a great match, making the most of his opportunities and applying constant pressure. But it was in adversity that Reyes’ magic once again shone. There were shots that seemed impossible – the 5 ball was in a tight corner, but Reyes hit a kick shot that brought the entire audience to their feet and applauded. Then there was a masse around the block that left the commentator in disbelief: “He’s not just playing pool, he’s sending messages to his father.”
With each point, Reyes seemed to be talking to his late father: “I’m still here. I’m still playing for you.” His face at this time did not show joy after each point, but rather an unyielding determination.
The match lasted longer than usual because both players played very solidly. But in the 11th game, when Reyes was leading 7-4, a moment happened that touched everyone. While preparing for the decisive shot, Reyes suddenly stopped, looked up at the ceiling - his eyes sparkling - as if he was whispering: "Dad, I won."
The last shot ended, Johnny Archer stepped forward to hug Reyes - no longer two opponents, but two men - one who had just lost, the other a witness to that resilience. Archer whispered into Reyes' ear: "Your father must be proud."
The audience rose, not because Reyes won, but because he had conquered his own pain. A victory that transcended sports. A testament to the spirit, filial piety, and undying love between father and son.
After the match, Reyes did not say much. He only said a short sentence to the media:
"This match, I did not play for the title. I played for my father."
And then he quietly left the stage, taking the cue and the pain that had not yet subsided. Fans still remember that moment – where a great man was not only talented, but also sincere. Many years later, people still recall the match “Efren Reyes vs Johnny Archer” as one of the most touching matches in the history of billiards – where human emotions surpassed technique, and where a legend carved his father’s name into history with tearful shots.
