|
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Pinoys toy with U.S.
By Mike Limpag
Sun.Star Staff Reporter
There is no doubt that Efren "Bata" Reyes is exceptional in pool, having earned the moniker "The Magician" for making seemingly impossible shots.
However, in the Philippines 13-5 conquest of the US team to bag the inaugural World Cup of Pool title yesterday, Reyes, perhaps buoyed by celebrating his 52nd birthday a day before and the presence of hundreds of Pinoys, Reyes came up with something new.
He shot one-handed, something local pool aficionados do to poke fun at an opponent.
Apparently it also worked as a report from the event's website said that while the Philippines was leading 8-4, "Bata then infuriated Strickland by playing a shot one-handed but the plan worked as Morris' next shot missed with the 1-ball in open play and it was 9-4."
No description was provided of the shot in the report, or in the site's forum.
It was an audacious move for Reyes, who had close buddy Francisco "Django" Bustamante as his partner, as it could have cost them a rack, but with the alternate break format, they could easily get back on the table.
Unease
Strickland's temper and unease at spectators is well documented in the pool circuit. He is under investigation in the International Pool Tour after reportedly throwing insults at an opponent's family members, who were in the audience.
As for Bustamante, he was simply delighted and gives Reyes all the credit for their win.
"Efren played lots of unbelievable shots—some of them I've never seen in my life—and that's why we won. When he plays perfect and I play well, we knew we had a great chance and it's a great feeling to be World Cup of Pool champions," Bustamante said.
In the semifinals, the Philippines defeated Germany, 9-7, while the US also won by the same score line over Vietnam.
Early lead
The Philippines raced to an early 3-0 lead, before the Strickland and Rodney Morris, evened the match at 4. However, it was the closest they could get as the Philippines took nine of the next 10 racks to bag the $60,000 top prize.
"It's funny that every time there is a new big tournament I win it but all week I thought if we could get to the final then we could win," said Reyes.
Reyes also won the inaugural leg of the San Miguel Tour, the first and only edition of the US Masters, among others.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (August 29, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
