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FORMER
two-time world champion Efren “Bata” Reyes lived up to
his moniker as “The Magician,” as he survived erstwhile
conqueror Joven Bustamante with a come-from-behind 8-7
victory Thursday for a slot in the Top 16 of the first
Senate President Manny Villar Cup billiards tournament
at the Starmall sportscenter in Alabang, Muntilupa.
The
54-year-old Reyes had a series of dry breaks in the
early goings and found himself trailing at 7-4 to the
frustration of big crowd that watched the third day of
the tournament organized by the Billiards Managers and
Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP).
“Malas
ako sa break ‘nung umpisa kaya ‘nung mabigyan ako
ng pagkakataon, sabi ko dapat may mahulog na sa mga
break ko, kung hindi todas ako,” Reyes said.
Reyes
finally got his chance when Bustamante was struck by a
dry break in the 12th rack, allowing Reyes to unleash
the big rally.
“Wala
naman akong ginawang adjustment sa break,
ganun pa rin, pero sinuwerte na lang dahil may
nahuhulog na,” Reyes, who lost to Bustamante in the
2004 World 8-ball championship in the United Arab
Emirates, said.
Reyes
sent the crowd roaring when he sank a tough-angled
four-nine combination in the 14th. He then ran out the
final rack to complete another Houdini act, and rolled
into the knockout stage of the P1 million-plus event.
Reyes
joined Ramil Gallego, Warren Kiamco and Mark Mendoza,
all from the losers’ bracket, in the knockout stage of
the tournament.
Gallego
defeated Mary Ann Basas and Kiamco ousted Panfilo
Damu-ag, 8-4, while 18-year-old Mendoza also came from
behind to eliminate veteran Eduardo Villanueva, 8-7.
The loss
sent the 29-year-old Bustamante in a knockout match
against former double-world champion Ronnie Alcano for
the right to advance to the next stage.
The
other players who already made it to the top 16 were
reigning world No. 1 Dennis Orcollo, Antonio Lining,
Gande Valle, Rodolfo Luat, Elmer Haya, Carlo Biado and
Jundel Mazon. |
