In the world of billiards, there are moments that make fans gasp, stand up from their seats, and applaud endlessly because they are overwhelmed by an unbelievable shot. But when the name Efren 'Bata' Reyes is mentioned, such moments are no longer rare.
Nicknamed "The Magician", he has been and continues to create such classy moves that experts have to bow in admiration, while audiences cannot believe their eyes. And recently, at an international tournament gathering the world's top players, Reyes once again made waves in the billiards world with his amazing shots, surpassing all the laws of physics and completely "turning off" his opponents.
It has been more than four decades since Reyes began his professional career, but it seems that time has not faded the creativity and "magic" in his playing style. At an age when many people have retired, Reyes still steps onto the table with confidence, sharp eyes and a head full of tactical calculations.
His opponent this time is a young American player in extremely good form, famous for his powerful breaks and near-absolute accuracy. The match was predicted to be difficult for Reyes, but after just a few shots, the audience could feel that something special was happening.
Reyes' opening shot was not too impressive - until he started to "work his magic". When the number 4 ball was close to the edge of the table, seemingly impossible to put into the pocket without fouling, Reyes made a break shot with such great spin that the cue ball moved as if by remote control, gently pushing the number 4 ball into the left corner pocket without dropping the white ball into the pocket. The whole audience exploded. The commentator exclaimed: "That's impossible! How did he do that?"
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And that was just the beginning. The subsequent moves made the audience even more amazed. When stuck in a corner with three balls blocking his path, Reyes executed a perfect “jump shot”, sending the cue ball flying over the obstacle, hitting the target ball and smoothly putting it into the pocket.
That shot not only made his opponent shake his head in disappointment but also caused the entire international billiards forum to discuss it enthusiastically. A fan from Germany posted the clip on social media with the comment: “This man isn’t playing billiards, he’s redefining it.”
Not only was his personal technique extraordinary, Reyes also showed his tactical sophistication. He read the table extremely quickly, always knowing how to control the position of the white ball for the next shot. In some situations, it seemed like Reyes was being cornered, but with a reverse, backward, or swerve shot, he not only saved the table but also turned a passive situation into an active attack, leaving his opponent no time to react.
The match lasted more than an hour, but time seemed to fly by in the suffocating emotions and extreme excitement. When Reyes hit the winning shot – a very tricky break that sent the 9 ball skidding past three others to land right in the middle pocket – the entire stadium stood up and applauded. On social media, thousands of comments praised his talent. Many even said that if there was a title higher than “legend”, Reyes deserved it.
But the most remarkable thing was the way Reyes maintained his humble demeanor. In the post-match interview, he simply smiled and said: “I just tried to have fun, if the audience liked it, I was happy.” A simple statement, but it showed the great sportsmanship and personality of a man who had gone through all the peaks of fame.
When discussing Reyes' career, one cannot help but mention the series of titles he has won: world champion in both pool and carom, champion of many prestigious tournaments such as the U.S. Open, World Nine-ball Championship, Derby City Classic, ... But what makes Reyes different is not only his achievements, but the way he wins. Not following a stereotypical style of play, not leaning towards strength, Reyes conquers with ingenuity, intelligence and sometimes, with shots that seem to go against common logic.
That is why Reyes is not only admired in the Philippines - his homeland - but also becomes a global icon. From Asia to Europe, from America to Australia, people know "The Magician" with deep respect. Young players often learn from his clips, and loyal fans always wait for each time he competes to continue to witness the "miracle".
In a modern billiards scene that is increasingly inclined towards physicality and technology, the appearance of Reyes is like a wind blowing in the opposite direction. He reminds everyone that class does not only come from youth or speed, but also from sophistication, experience and a little bit of... magic. Despite his advanced age, Reyes' competitive spirit and creativity have not yet faded. And perhaps, in the hearts of fans, Efren 'Bata' Reyes will forever be an artist on the billiards table, who can turn every shot into a true work of art.
No one knows how much longer Reyes will compete, but one thing is certain: as long as he holds the cue, the world of billiards will live in magic.
