Bata wants to don nat’l colors anew in SEAG

Given another chance, pool legend Efren "Bata" Reyes said he would represent the country in international competitions again.

Reyes, who carried the cudgels for the Filipinos in past Southeast Asian Games, said he’s willing to lead the country’s bid again in the biennial meet set this December in Bangkok, Thailand.

"It’s always an honor to play for flag and country, I would gladly take it if given another chance," said Reyes in Filipino.

The pool legend said he would have loved to play for RP in the 2006 Doha Asian Games but an earlier commitment to play in an IPT tournament, where he’s the defending champion, prevented him from joining the Asiad qualifiers.

"I really wanted to play in the Asian Games but I had a contract back then so I couldn’t play," said Reyes.

The amiable Reyes left the country Thursday for a one-week exhibition tournament in Singapore and would be back next week for a commitment to join in another exhibition event, this time against the local celebrities Jan. 24 in San Juan.

From there, Reyes, the 1999 World Pool champion, would be joining a big group of RP cue artists in the 2007 8-ball Championships set in Dubai, UAE next month.

Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Reyes’ buddy, also said he would make himself available for the Bangkok Games.

"Who would want to miss an opportunity like that?" said Bustamante, gold medalist in the 2002 Busan Asian Games.

Like Reyes, Bustamante also begged off from the Doha Games because of a previous commitment.

But Antonio "Gaga" Gabica proved he was up to the task, winning the 9-ball gold medal and a silver in the 8-ball competitions. Jeff de Luna also took the 9-ball silver.

"There are a lot of talented billiards players like us out there, it’s a matter of giving them the chance to shine," said Reyes.