Finger lickin’ good

As the upcoming WNT Legends competition draws near, Efren “Bata” Reyes couldn’t help but reminisce about the times he and old American archrival Earl Strickland battled it out on the biggest stage in billiards.

The mere mention of Strickland’s name was enough to put a wide grin on Reyes’ face during an interview with DAILY TRIBUNE one Friday afternoon.

Reyes and Strickland, nicknamed “The Pearl” took part in so many duels in the 1990s up to the early-2000s amid possibility that their fast-approaching showdown could be their last.

Reyes is 71 while Strickland, though a bit younger at 64, is no longer as razor-sharp as before.

But given their intense and storied rivalry, there is no denying that their upcoming clash dubbed WNT Legends scheduled 21 to 23 January at the Gateway Mall in Quezon City remains a must-see for diehard billiards fanatics.

Adding luster to the event is the participation of the sport’s other marquee names, including Reyes’ longtime teammate Django Bustamante and perennial German visitor Ralf “The Kaiser” Souquet.

“We have played against each other so many times in different places, often in the finals. I lost to him many times, and he also lost to me,” Reyes recalled as he was accompanied by Billiards and Snookers Congress of the Philippines president Aristeo “Putch” Puyat.

“The last Color of Money match was in 1996, and I won that one. Now, he’s still strong, maybe even stronger because he’s younger than me.”

Reyes, who is now coaching the likes of Carlo Biado, Rubilen Amit and AJ Manas, admitted he will have to lean on experience as he faces the three-time World Pool Association nine-ball champion.

“I’m doing fine. I still play billiards from time to time, but I also rest,” said the Pampanga-bred Reyes.

“Before, I was strong and confident. Even if I was nervous, I could still perform well. Now, I’m older. My body is different. My eyes aren’t as sharp as they used to be, and I feel things more. But experience helps.”

Reyes came up big against Strickland during the height of their rivalry.

The 1996 Color of Money remains a highlight of Reyes’ career as he came back from a 17-rack deficit to come out on top, 120-117, and win $100,000.

“The Magician” also reasserted his mastery over Strickland at the 2001 The Masters in Chesapeake, Virginia with a 13-9 victory in the final and a cash prize of $20,000.

Reyes admitted he never would have thought he would be able to face his rival again, much so in front of the hometown crowd cheering him and Bustamante.

“I never expected something like this to happen at this stage of my career. To play again in front of the Filipino fans, with my friends and rivals from all over the world, is very special,” Reyes said.

“This event will be full of memories — old ones and new ones — and I’m excited to be part of it.”

Even Strickland said more than just competing with Reyes, the WNT Legends is their way of showing the crowd a glimpse of their skills they had in the peak of their powers.

“I’ve played these guys for decades, and every match has a story. This is a chance to show the world what real legends look like, the intensity, the skill, the personality. I’m coming to Manila ready to put on a show,” Strickland said.

Matches will be played as a race-to-11 with alternate breaks, striking the perfect balance between elite competition and entertainment, while delivering multiple iconic match-ups.

Surely, Reyes and Strickland are not in it for the paycheck.

There is simply too much pride and honor at stake in this mouthwatering matchup.