Photo: Efren “The Magician” Bata Reyes impresses the crowd as he’s still on the top of his game. Photo by Flariden dela Torre of Great Image Middle East
ABU DHABI: Efren “The Magician” Bata Reyes, one of the Philippines’ best players in billiards, was recently in Abu Dhabi to play a few exhibition matches for fans in the UAE.
Reyes played several matches with players of other nationalities as he impressed the crowd with his skills which obviously haven’t waned despite his age.
When asked what his plans are during his stay, he mentioned that he’ll be mostly in Dubai and was just in Abu Dhabi for that day. “Pangatlong beses ko na sa Abu Dhabi at kalimitan, sa Fujairah ang tournament. Pero nabisita pa din ako dito (sa Abu Dhabi) bago umalis,” said Reyes (This is my third time to visit Abu Dhabi as usually the tournaments were held in Fujairah. However, I always visit Abu Dhabi before I go.”
After his visit in Abu Dhabi, Reyes is set to go to the US to receive a Lifetime Achievement award in Las Vegas. Reyes advised fellow billiard players to keep following their passion to play the game: “Sana pagbutihin nila ng husto, kailangan walang mga bisyo at kailangan puro pampalakas ng katawan para tuloy tuloy ang mga tira.” (I hope they give it their best. They need to steer clear of any vices and they need to strengthen their body so that they can continuously do the shots.)
Reyes was brought to the UAE’s capital city through an exhibition match sponsored by Knight Shot, a specialized game tables company in the Middle East. “We cater to the Middle East, Russia, and Africa areas,” said owner Hasnat Akram.
The game was organized by Milano Billiard Hall and Café. The co-owner, Diaa Ali said that bringing Reyes to Abu Dhabi is a great way to bring the billiards community together. “We give them a chance to meet their champions here since they couldn’t find a way to meet them back in the Philippines,” said Ali.
Knight Shot and Milano also have plans to bring Francisco “Django” Bustamante as well as other billiards icons from the Philippines after Eid.
Reyes has won over 70 international titles and was the first player to win world championships in two different disciplines in pool. Among his numerous titles Reyes is a four-time World Eight-ball Champion, the 1999 WPA World Nine-ball Champion, a three-time US Open winner, a two-time World Pool League winner and a 14-time Derby City Classic winner – including an unprecedented five Master of the Table crowns.
