Bata named pool Player of the Decade

MANILA, Philippines - Efren “Bata” Reyes, whose world 9-ball feat in Cardiff, Wales in 1999 sparked the renaissance of billiards in the world, was yesterday named the Player of the Decade by the United States Billiard Media Association.

The 55-year-old Reyes, who was also inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall (BCA) Hall of Fame in 2003, has raked in nearly $1.7 million in earnings the last 10 years, excluding his latest winnings of $47,500 in Indiana last week, according to the report of website Azbilliards.

Reyes clinched his fifth Master of the Table Crown last Monday during the 12th Annual Derby City Classic at the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel in Indiana, US.

He beat fellow former world champions Johnny Archer of the US, Mika Immonen of Finland and Ralf Souquet of Germany for the coveted Player of the Decade plum.

“He (Efren) is an inspiration for the Filipinos.” said billiards patron Aristeo “Putch” Puyat.

Reyes won more than 20 major pro pool titles during the decade, starting with the $30,000 Camel Pro 8-Ball Championship triumph in 2000. Of his 22 major victories, the amiable pool legend captured four one-pocket crowns, four 8-ball titles and 15 9-ball titles. He also ruled the Derby City All-Around tournament five times.

The string of victories came after Reyes became the first Filipino to win the World Pool (9-ball) Championship title in 1999 in Cardiff. He also took the World 8-ball title in 2004 in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.

He also triumphed in the International Pool Tour (IPT), won two titles (2005 IPT King of the Hill and 2006 IPT North American Open) and pocketed $765,000.

Over in Germany, Team Philippines takes on Czech Repubic late Tuesday, hoping to nail its second straight victory in the World Team Cup Championship at the Hall 13 Hannover Exhibition Grounds in Hannover, Germany.

The RP bets, composed of Ronnie Alcano, Antonio Lining, Dennis Orcullo, Lee Vann Corteza, Marlon Manalo and Warren Kiamco, blanked Great Britain II, 4-0, in the opener of the inaugural tournament Monday.