Bata, Django men to beat in HK 9-ball

World-class pool action hits Hong Kong this weekend with focus on the Philippines’ top two cue masters – with one hoping to keep his unbeaten streak and the other out to snap a shocking skid in the San Miguel Asian 9-ball Tour at the Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley.

Efren "Bata" Reyes sets out the sentimental favorite in the third leg of the five-city $250,000 circuit which drew 32 of the region’s finest players, including eight of the world’s top 50 players after the 49-year-old former world pool champion swept the first two stages in Singapore and in Vietnam in varying fashion.

"I pray and hope to win again," said Reyes, who dominated compatriot Warren Kiamco, 11-4, in Singapore before pulling off a stirring come-from-behind victory over Taiwanese ace Chao Fong Pang, 11-9, in Vietnam.

But while Reyes enjoys a fine start in the circuit organized by ESPN STAR Sports’ Event Management Group (EMG), Francisco "Django" Bustamante, currently the world No. 1, is coming off two forgettable stints where he failed to make it past the second round on both occasions.