STRICKLAND STUNS REYES AS SOUQUET SEALS REDEMPTION | WNT LEGENDS
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 22 Jan 2026
Earl Strickland produced a vintage performance to overcome Efren Reyes on Day Two of WNT Legends, renewing their iconic Colour of Money rivalry, while Ralf Souquet completed a dramatic comeback victory over Francisco Bustamante.
Staged in partnership with Puyat Sports, the first World Nineball Tour event of 2026 – WNT Legends – runs from 21–23 January at Gateway Mall, Quezon City, with global coverage on WNT TV and local broadcasts via the Pilipinas Live app and One Sports.
WATCH WNT LEGENDS LIVE ON WNT TV
Reflecting on his statement victory against Reyes, Strickland commented: “I played smart today – I had to. You can never be complacent against Efren; he’ll beat you silly. So I’m proud to have got the win. I still remember that Color of Money match like it was yesterday. I’ve learned so much from him. He’s an amazing player. There will never be another Efren.”
Match Three
Ralf Souquet 11–10 Francisco Bustamante
Bustamante burst out of the blocks against Souquet, racing into a commanding 6–1 lead as he looked to secure a swift victory. However, the German showed trademark resilience, gradually clawing his way back into contention.
Despite Django reaching the hill first at 10–7, a series of missed opportunities proved costly. Souquet remained composed under pressure, capitalising on late errors to complete a remarkable turnaround and close out the match 11–10, securing his first win of the tournament.
Souquet said: “I’m very happy to get the win. Django played extremely well and pushed me to dig deep, especially early in the match. Even now, he’s still a fantastic player.
The crowd has been amazing over the past two days – they showed me so much love today, even after I beat Django. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow and playing Efren again, no matter the result.”
Bustamante added: “This match showed that anything can happen in nineball. Credit to Ralf – he played unbelievable in the second half of the match. I lost focus at a crucial moment and paid the price. Tomorrow is a new day, and I’ll be bringing my A-game to beat Earl in the final.”
Match Four
Earl Strickland 11–6 Efren Reyes
Strickland made an explosive start against Reyes, racing into an early 3–0 lead with momentum firmly on his side. Although The Magician fought back to reduce the deficit, the American remained in control, continuing to apply pressure and extend his advantage.
With the racks flowing his way, Strickland closed out the match convincingly to claim one of the most notable victories of the tournament, which ultimately secured his spot in the final against Bustamante.
Reyes commented: “Congratulations to Earl – he was the better player today. Of course I’m disappointed with the result, but it was special to share the stage with him again. I’m looking forward to my match against Ralftomorrow, and I’ll be backing Django to win the final for our country.”
WNT Legends concludes tomorrow with a thrilling final day of action. Efren Reyes and Ralf Souquet will contest the third-place playoff in the opening match, before the Legends take centre stage once more in a doubles exhibition. The tournament will then reach its climax as Earl Strickland and Francisco Bustamante meet again in the final, vying for the WNT Legends crown.
Day Three Schedule (Starts at 10:30am – Local)
Efren Reyes vs Ralf Souquet– Third Place Playoff (Race to 11)
Reyes & Bustamante vs Strickland & Souquet– Doubles Exhibition (Race to 5)
Earl Strickland vs Francisco Bustamante– Final (Race to 11)
Fans around the world can witness the final chapter of this historic Legends clash exclusively on WNT TV via a $30 PPV, while viewers in the Philippines can access the live PPV on the Pilipinas Live app, with primetime coverage airing on One Sports.
WATCH WNT LEGENDS LIVE ON WNT TV
For the full draw and live scoring, visit www.wntlivescores.com.
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