American Pool Legend Earl Strickland Triumphs at WNT Legends Event in Quezon City
In a thrilling display of skill and experience, American pool legend Earl Strickland emerged as the champion of the World Nineball Tour (WNT) Legends event, which concluded yesterday, Friday, January 23, 2026, at Gateway Mall in Quezon City. The tournament, organized in partnership with Puyat Sports, showcased top-tier billiards talent from around the globe, drawing significant attention from sports enthusiasts.
Strickland's Victory Over Filipino Rival Bustamante
Strickland secured the championship title by defeating his Filipino counterpart, Francisco 'Django' Bustamante, with a decisive score of 11-6 in the finals. This win marks a significant achievement for Strickland, who had previously faced a narrow 9-11 loss against another Filipino legend, Efren 'Bata' Reyes, on the first day of the competition. The victory not only avenged that earlier setback but also reinforced Strickland's reputation as one of the most formidable players in the world of pool.
Reflecting on his performance, Strickland expressed his excitement and pride. "I'm thrilled to win, especially after falling short on Day One. I proved that you can never count an old dog out. I know my days are numbered, but if I keep shooting like that, who knows? I'm proud of myself," he stated in an interview published on matchroompool.com. His words highlight the resilience and competitive spirit that have defined his illustrious career.
Memorable Tournament and Key Matches
Strickland emphasized that this tournament was particularly unforgettable for him, as he competed against three of the world's best billiards players, including German legend Ralf Souquet. The finals saw Strickland take an early lead of 3-1, but Bustamante fought back valiantly, eventually tying the game at 6-6. However, after this point, Bustamante's momentum stalled, and Strickland capitalized by winning five consecutive games to clinch the championship crown.
Bustamante acknowledged his disappointment with his own gameplay, noting that he made several errors that Strickland expertly exploited. "I'm frustrated with my performance because I created many mistakes, which Strickland took full advantage of," he commented, underscoring the high stakes and intense competition of the event.
Third-Place Playoff and Event Significance
In the third-place playoff, Ralf Souquet defeated Efren 'Bata' Reyes with a score of 11-9, adding to the international flair of the tournament. The WNT Legends event, held at Gateway Mall in Quezon City, served as a premier platform for elite billiards players to showcase their talents, with Strickland's victory standing out as a testament to his enduring skill and determination in the sport.
