EFREN "BATA" REYES BACK IN ACTION, FRANCISCO "DJANGO" BUSTAMANTE IS LOOKING FOR ANOTHER TITLE IN WPA WORLD 9-BALL
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 02 Jun 2012
FILIPINO pool maestro Efren ?Bata? Reyes is ready to weave his old black magic while his buddy, Francisco ?Django? Bustamante are seeking another title at the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) World 9-Ball Championship on June 22 to 29 at the Al Sadd St. Sports Roundabout, Doha, Qatar.
The two grizzled veterans of Philippine pool playing under the banner of Puyat Sports will take centerstage anew and carry the country?s colors in one of the biggest billiards tournament of the year.
The 57-year-old Angeles City pride Reyes, one of the oldest players in the circuit, is a two-time world champion and is eyeing to become the only Filipino player to win a triple crown.
Reyes and compatriot Ronato "Volcano" Alcano have already won the World 8-Ball and World 9-Ball crowns, and one of them has a chance to become the winningest Pinoy in the world pool scene.
The 48-year-old Tarlac native Bustamante, on the other hand, won the World 9-Ball crown here in Doha two-years ago to follow the foot-step of Reyes (1999, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom), Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan (2004, Taipei, Taiwan) and Alcano (2006, Manila, Philippines).
"We have a very good chance of winning again the World 9-ball crown," said PH billiards godfather Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, longtime supporter of Reyes, Bustamante and Pagulayan.
American Earl "The Pearl" Strickland is the winningest player by winning the World 9-Ball crown thrice (1990 Bergheim, Germany), (1991 Las Vegas, United States) and (2002,Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom).
Another US bet Johnny "The Scorpion" Archer (1992, Taipei, Taiwan), (`1997, Chicago, United States) and Taiwanese Chao Fong-pang (1993, Konigswinter, Germany) and (2000, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom ), both won twice.
Japanese Yukio Akagariyama toppled Alcano in the last edition here in Doha.
Up for grabs in the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) and Qatar Billiards & Snooker Federation (QBSF) event is a total cash prize fund of $250,000 with $36,000 going to the champion.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
San Francisco Boxing Leaders Bring It Back: FIGHT NIGHT AT ROCCAPULCO
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Alyssa Mendoza, Salim Ellis-Bey and Kelvin Watts Secure Wins on Day Three of 2026 Strandja Boxing Tournament
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Herlan Gomez faces Dekang Wang for WBA Asia Superbamtam Title Today in Kunming, China
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Queensberry Promotions to sue SELA and TKO?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 26 Feb 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev promises prize money for boxers at LA 2028 if the IOC doesn’t change their policy towards athletes’ rewards
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Ruben Castillo, The uncrowned champion passes away
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Return of Ryan Garcia
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 25 Feb 2026“It’s moments a kid dreams off.” Sam Rennie returns for title challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Wed, 25 Feb 2026‘It’s going to be a great fight and most importantly looking forward to the 10 pints together after it’ Billy Quinncroft challenges for Cruiserweight title March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Wed, 25 Feb 2026Magdalena Contreras Municipality and WBC start "Boxing for Peace" in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 25 Feb 2026United States Captures Four More Wins on Day Two of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
Wed, 25 Feb 2026Date set for Manny-Money 2
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Knockout Artist Sugar Martinez (17-0, 17 KOs) Makes His US Debut Against Philly Veteran Daiyan Butt
Wed, 25 Feb 2026IM Yap outwits GM Gareyev, shares lead; Maribao split the point with GM Quizon in Round 3 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 25 Feb 20262 Division World Champion José Luis Castillo Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Wed, 25 Feb 2026