The hard way for Efren Bata Reyes

May 8, 2008

bata reyes Former two-time world champion Efren “Bata” Reyes needed a lot of doing before beating erstwhile conqueror Joven Bustamante , 8-7, yesterday and entering the Top 16 of the 1st Senate President Manny Villar Cup billiards tournament at the Starmall sportscenter in Alabang, Muntilupa.

The 54-year-year Reyes had a series of dry breaks in the early going of the match and found himself trailing by three racks, 7-4, to the frustration of big crowd who watched the third day of the tournament organized by the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP).

“Malas ako sa break nung umpisa kaya nung mabigyan ako ng pagkakataon sabi ko dapat may mahulog na sa mga break ko, kung hindi todas ako,” Reyes said.

Reyes finally got a chance to escape the loss when Bustamante got struck by a dry break in what could be a deciding the 12th rack, allowing Reyes to unleash the big rally to the delight of the more than 500 fans.

“Wala naman akong ginawang adjustment sa break, ganun pa rin, pero sinuwerte na lang dahil may nahuhulog na,” Reyes, who lost to Bustamante in the 2004 World 8-ball championship in the United Arab Emirates, said.

Bookmark to: