By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippines has been regarded as the epicenter of billiards due to legendary Efren “Bata” Reyes’ brilliance, charm and charisma – and for that, the World Nine-ball Tour (WNT) is set to stage the first Reyes Cup in Manila on Oct. 17 to 20.
Matchroom Multi Sport CEO Emily Frazer announced the holding of the event, noting that it’s a way to honor Reyes, who is largely recognized as perhaps the greatest player of his era.
“Given the storied history the Philippines has on the sport, it is only right that we honor Efren (Reyes) in his home country,” Frazer stated.
“Efren’s passion for the sport has been unwavering for over 50 years, he is the perfect figurehead for this tournament and our sport,” she added.
Reyes, 69, expressed his extreme gratitude for choosing him as the tournament’s inspiration, also stressing it serves as a celebration for the sport they loved throughout the years.
“I am truly humbled and honored that Matchroom has chosen to name this prestigious event after me. The Efren Reyes Cup is not just a tournament; it’s a celebration of the sport we love, and I am excited to see the pool community come together for its first edition in the Philippines,” Reyes said.
It will be a four-day long competition under Mosconi Cup format where two elite teams, including Asian and European cue masters tussle with one another.
Aloysius Yapp is expected to lead the Team Asia, which is composed of WNT top-three ranked in the one-year list alongside two wildcards who will be selected by the team captain. Same process applies to Team Europe which will be spearheaded by Spain’s David Alcaide.
Both teams will announce their members after each event in World Pool Championship (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia), European Open (Fulda, Germany) and US Open Pool Championship (Atlantic City, USA).
