Bata Reyes impressed with upcoming young players during exhibition in Libis
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 05 May 2025
Manila -- Efren “Bata” Reyes, the legendary billiards player hailed as the best in the world, was impressed by the talents of Mandaluyong pool players, having lost two matches and won six games in his one-day 10-ball exhibition, a highlight of the Sangguniang Kabataan Hagdan Bato Libis billiards tournament last Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Magician Billiards Elite-Shaw in Mandaluyong City.
International Billiard and Snooker Champion Marlon Manalo said, "He was impressed by our billiard players' enthusiasm and love for pool. He finds our youth players very strong."
Reyes bowed to John Kenneth Calla and Renz Quillano.
Calla and Quillano both received P2,000 for their efforts from Marlon Manalo, a former *liga ng barangay* president and national PRO.
Meanwhile, James Ignacio won the 10-ball individual tournament, followed by second-placer Ethan Bauza, third-placer Archie Noveno, and fourth-placer Jandee Manuel.
Earlier, Councilor Charisse Marie Abalos Vargas led the ceremonial lag to usher in the start of the 10-ball tournament on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Magician Billiards Elite-Shaw in Mandaluyong City.
Also gracing the billiard fest, part of the 2025 Sports League of Barangay Hagdan Bato Libis, were Coun. Elton Yap, Coun. Junis Alim, Coun. Danny De Guzman, GOAT and Hall of Famer Efren "Bata" Reyes, International Billiard and Snooker Champion Marlon Manalo, Councilor Mariz Manalo, Barangay Malamig Chairman Cynthia Caluya, and Barangay Hagdan Bato Libis SK Chairwoman Max Sulayao.
Reyes, in a media interview Monday, said he came to the city to grant an invitation for him to do a series of pool exhibitions. But he grabbed the opportunity to also renew acquaintances with pool enthusiasts and old friends.
Reyes, known as the billiards GOAT, has a career that spans decades. Starting at a young age, he quickly rose to prominence and was coined “The Magician” for his amazing shot-making abilities.
Reyes has won over 100 professional tournaments, including prestigious events like the WPA World Nine-Ball Championship, the US Open Nine-Ball Championship, and the World Cup of Pool. He was the first Asian player to be inducted into the Billiard Congress of America’s Hall of Fame. Off the table, Reyes is celebrated for his humility and sportsmanship, making him a beloved figure in the pool community worldwide. -Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 3 FEBRUARY 2026: Shakur Schools Teofimo to Become 4-Division Champ; Zayas Unifies WBA/WBO Superwelter; Kelly Beats Murtazaliev
By Eric Armit, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Grand Week for Boxing in NY
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Boxlab Promotions Euri Cedeno and Carlos De Leon Castro Shine in San Juan Victories
Wed, 04 Feb 2026National Boxing Hall of Fame 2026 is set to April 26 in Montebello, California
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Vito Mielnicki Jr. Returns Home to Defend WBC USA, IBF USBA and WBO Global Middleweight Championships Against Omar Ulises Huerta
Wed, 04 Feb 2026Noah Lucas Palcis sees action in Bangkok chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Reymond Yanong Edges Out Hayato Ono for Split Decision Win in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 03 Feb 2026“I’m gonna smoke whoever is in front of me, Anthony Wright- Hearn makes his pro debut March 13 at Thunderdome 53
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Pacman's Cue Club Hosts J&P 10 Ball Cup from Feb. 4 to 7
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is back
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026WILDER AND CHISORA FACE OFF IN ICONIC TIMES SQUARE TO ANNOUNCE APRIL 4 HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AT THE O2 LONDON
Tue, 03 Feb 2026World Boxing appoints Tom Dielen as new Secretary General
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Sullivan Management signs 19-1 power-punching Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Another Grandeza in MMA is coming
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Gracie meets Zubiri in PH
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 02 Feb 2026