Bata, Strickland take spotlight

Four billiards legends collide one more time in the WNT Legends in Gateway Mall in Quezon City starting on Wednesday.

Filipino legends Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante will face Earl “The Pearl” Strickland of the United States and Ralf “The Kaiser” Souquet of Germany in what promises to be a three-day spectacle for the pool fans around the world.

The first day will have Bustamante and Strickland face off as well as Reyes and Souquet in the event put up by Matchroom Pool and Puyat Sports led by its president, Aristeo “Putch” Puyat, who is also the chief of the Billiards and Snookers Congress of the Philippines.

Day two is expected to be something extra special for pool fans.

While Bustamante and Souquet collide in the first match, fans will be able to watch greatness in the second leg as Reyes and Strickland square off in the main event.

 “The Magician” and “The Pearl” are expected to weave some magic as they relive their rivalry that began in the 1996 Color of Money event in Hong Kong, where Reyes clawed his way back from 17 racks down to stun Strickland, 120-117.

From there, the best Filipino player and the best foreign player after the first two days will face each other in a championship match on the final day.

While still active at 71 years old, Reyes said he will have to rely on his skills and experience from his previous tournaments

“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.”

The 64-year-old Strickland also couldn’t wait to have one more match with Reyes in front of a loud Filipino crowd.

“Going to play my old rival Efren Reyes. Looking forward to seeing the Filipino fans again. Hope I can still play!” Strickland said.

“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.”

Even Bustamante, who has been with Reyes in various competitions, can’t help but feel nostalgic in this tournament where friends and old rivals collide.

“Manila has always been the heart of my pool journey. To compete in an event that celebrates our history, our battles, and what we’ve brought to the sport — it’s an honor,” Bustamante said.

“The fans will love this. It will feel like the old days again.”

More than rekindling his competitive drive, Souquet is honored to be part of the competition as he promises to put on a show.

“The four of us have shared so many incredible moments in this sport, and to reunite for an event of this magnitude is something truly unique. I’m grateful for the invitation and excited to compete once again at the highest level, in front of fans who appreciate the history of the game,” Souquet said.