Bata unruffled by skills, charm of Black Widow

Filipino fans get a rare chance to witness perhaps two of the most popular pool players in the world clash in a made-for-TV battle of the sexes as Efren "Bata" Reyes and Jeanette Lee take centerstage Saturday at the Casino Filipino in Parañaque.

Dubbed LG Flatron Billiard Challenge, the novel event will be played on a race-to-13 format with organizers assuring a classic, exciting duel between the former world pool champion and 1995 WPBA (Women’s Professional Billiards Asssociation) Player of the Year.

How Reyes, who ruled the world 9-ball championship in Cardiff, Wales in 1999, will fare against the player they call the "Black Widow" will be known starting at 9 p.m.

This marks the first time that the amiable Filipino cue artist will be ranged against a female player in a much hyped-up match before the Filipino audience.

This early, some say Reyes will not only have to worry about Lee’s talent and skill but his opponent’s beauty and charm as well which many believe will unsettle the soft-spoken Filipino champion.

Tickets have already been sold out, further underscoring the tremendous response by the local billiards enthusiasts to the event although the match will be broadcast on IBC 13 starting at 9 a.m.