In a display of timeless skill and mastery, billiards icon Efren "Bata" Reyes captivated fans with a thrilling victory in his opening match at the WNT Legends tournament. The event, held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Gateway Mall 2 in Cubao, Quezon City, saw Reyes overcome a tough challenge from Germany's Ralf Souquet, securing an 11-8 win that sent waves of nostalgia through the venue.
A Legendary Performance Unfolds
Reyes, widely celebrated as "The Magician" and often hailed as the greatest billiards player of all time, demonstrated his enduring prowess on the green felt. The match reached a tense 8-8 deadlock, but Reyes, with his characteristic focus and precision, broke away by sweeping the final three racks. This decisive move not only clinched the victory but also ignited loud cheers from the pro-Filipino crowd, who reveled in witnessing a living legend in action.
Tournament Dynamics and Rivalries
The WNT Legends event, spanning three days, features classic rivalries that continue to excite billiards enthusiasts. Following his win, Reyes is set to clash with USA's Earl "The Pearl" Strickland on Thursday, while Souquet will face off against fellow Filipino cue artist Francisco "Django" Bustamante. These matches will determine who advances to the final round scheduled for Friday, adding to the tournament's high stakes and competitive spirit.
Under the unique tournament format, the highest-ranked Filipino player will meet the top foreign cue artist for the championship title. Conversely, the lowest-placed Filipino will compete against the bottom-ranked foreigner for third place, ensuring intense battles across all levels of the competition.
Bustamante's Winning Start
In another exciting match earlier in the day, Francisco "Django" Bustamante also kicked off his campaign with a victory. He defeated Earl Strickland 11-9 in a closely contested encounter that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. After Strickland, a former world No. 1 from the United States, tied the match at 8-8, Bustamante showcased his resilience by sweeping the next two racks to reach the hill at 10-8.
Strickland momentarily halted Bustamante's momentum by winning the 19th rack, but Bustamante sealed the win in dramatic fashion. In the final rack, he executed a precise 3-9 ball combination shot, banking it into the right corner pocket to secure the victory, further highlighting the high level of skill on display at the tournament.
As the WNT Legends progresses, fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling matches and memorable moments from these billiards greats, celebrating a sport that continues to captivate audiences in the Philippines and beyond.
