Efren Reyes

Efren Reyes (born August 26, 1954), a Filipino, is considered to be one of the great and probably the best player of all time at the game of 9-ball (a variation on billiards). He is often called "The Magician" for having made some of the most spectacular shots ever seen in tournament play and also known by his nickname "Bata". He has won many of the most prestigious nine ball tournaments including multiple wins at the Sands Regency Open, the 1995 Pro Tour Championship, and the 2002 ESPN Challenge of Champions. He is also known for beating Earl Strickland, another of the best 9-ball players of all time, in the two day winner take all events known as the Color of Money I, and the Color of Money II.

Related Topics:
August 26 - 1954 - Filipino - 9-ball - Billiards - Sands Regency Open - 1995 - Pro Tour Championship - 2002 - ESPN - Challenge of Champions - Earl Strickland - Color of Money I - Color of Money II

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Efren Reyes was born in Pampanga in 1954 and moved to Manila with his family, when he was 5 years old. He worked there as a billiard attendant in his uncle's pool hall, and where he started learning and playing the game. He also played games, such as the three cushion billiards in the early 1960's and 1970's, and played for money even at a young age. By the time he was 20 years old he claimed that he was the best player in the Philippines, which is very likely considering his success in the U.S. and Europe against some of the best 9-ball players in the world. At present, he lives in his home town Angeles City, Philippines.

Related Topics:
Pampanga - Manila - Philippines - Angeles City

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Bata Reyes started playing in the United States in the eighties, mostly as a money player. By the nineties, he was winning major tournaments against the best players in the United States. In 1995 he won 6 major events, and at that time was considered the best 9-ball player in the U.S. He continued to win major events into the year 2000 and has proven himself to be one of the best players to ever pick up a cue, especially in the game of 9-ball. In 2001, he posted unprecedented tournament winnings of just over $200,000.

Related Topics:
United States - Eighties

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Reyes is also known to be a mentor/friend of professional pool player Francisco Bustamante.

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In 2003, he made an acting stint in the Filipino movie Pakners together with the late actor Fernando Poe, Jr..

Related Topics:
2003 - Fernando Poe, Jr.

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