On a hot afternoon of an international tournament held in Las Vegas, hundreds of spectators flocked to the central auditorium to witness a match that was considered… unequal. On one side of the table, was “Super Shooter” - a young American superstar, emerging as a new phenomenon in the world of billiards. His powerful shots, near-absolute precision and coolness in every move earned him the nickname “a scoring machine”.
On the other side of the table, was a gray-haired man, walking slowly, somewhat tired - that was Efren “Bata” Reyes, the man known as the “Wizard” of the world of billiards. But this time, all eyes were skeptical. “He’s too old,” one spectator whispered. “There’s no way he can compete with this young guy.” One expert even predicted on television: “Efren has no speed, no reflexes — the American will wipe him out in less than an hour.”
And the initial reality seemed to prove it. The match started with powerful finishes from Super Shooter. In the first three games, he scored continuously, not giving Reyes a chance to speak. Each of his shots was like a cannonball – strong, straight and full of damage. The audience cheered. The American media called it “the final blow that ended the legend of Efren Reyes.”
But when everyone thought the match was over, a miracle happened…
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In the fourth game, Super Shooter made a careless shot – a light kiss that sent the 6 ball off course. And that was the moment the “Wizard” woke up.
Reyes walked to the table with a calm demeanor. Without rushing, without showing off, he carefully observed each ball. And then, as if a slight electric current ran through the auditorium – Reyes’ first shot hit the 2 ball, the ball rolled in an incredibly precise arc, avoiding the two blocking balls, lightly hitting the rail and returning to a favorable position to continue. The audience… fell silent. Super Shooter frowned.
In the following minutes, no one dared to say a word. Because what Reyes did was… magic.
He performed “impossible” shots – the ball rolled as if guided by magic. Bank shots went through seemingly impossible tight corners. The ball ran four rails, returning to its correct position. A masse shot made the ball curve like an S, go around the two blocking balls and still go into the hole as calculated. Each shot was a masterpiece.
In the stands, many people stood up. Not because of cheering, but because of astonishment. Some even shed tears. “I saw Reyes play 20 years ago,” said an old spectator, tearfully, “but today… he’s the same Reyes, unchanged.”
Super Shooter was confident at first. But gradually, his eyes changed – from arrogance to worry. He began to lose his composure, biting his lip, pacing. Every time it was his turn, he made a small mistake – a hit too hard, a ball that stopped in the wrong place. And Reyes? He seemed untouched by time.
Game by game, Reyes equalized, then won. The score went from 0-3 to 4-3. Then 5-3. The media switched from critical commentary to… glorification. “This is not a match,” exclaimed one commentator. “This is a performance!”
The climax came in the ninth game – the deciding game. Super Shooter had a chance to regain control of the match. He took a big shot, determined to put the 7 ball in the far corner pocket. But… missed! The ball hit the ice and bounced back. And so, Reyes walked to the table for the last time in the match.
He didn’t rush, he just smiled slightly. “Let’s finish this,” he said softly. And in four shots, he finished the entire table like a gentle symphony. The finishing shot was a combination of the 8 and 9 balls – complicated, but he handled it like it was a walk in the park.
The audience exploded with applause.
Super Shooter bowed, walked over to shake Reyes’ hand. “Sir, I thought you were finished,” he whispered. Reyes smiled, his eyes sparkling: “Sometimes, magic just sleeps for a while.”
After that match, the world once again mentioned Efren Reyes with silent admiration. Not because he won – but because he taught everyone a lesson: Never underestimate a legend, especially when that person's name is Efren 'Bata' Reyes.
