Friday, January 19, 2007 Reyes, Django ‘to boycott’ Asian 9-ball tour
EFREN “Bata” Reyes is the most successful campaigner of the Asian 9-Ball tour, but a looming “beer war” may force the Magician and good friend Francisco “Django” Bustamante not to compete in the tour this year.
This after ESPN ditched long time partner San Miguel Corp. and tied up with its rival Guinness for this year’s edition of the tour.
According to a report posted at Azbilliards.com, Lito Puyat, the recognized godfather of pool in the Philippines, “has indicated his prized players Reyes and Bustamante will boycott the ESPN Asian 9-Ball Tour over what he considered ESPN’s shabby treatment of the Philippine’s flagship company.”
Reyes is also an endorser of San Miguel Beer, while Francisco Bustamante, Rodolfo Luat and a few other Pinoy pool stars, appeared in a commercial for San Miguel with Reyes a few years back.
Reyes’ absence in the Tour is sure to hurt the event, as the former World Pool champion is one of the most recognized pool players in the world. He also leads the tour with seven wins, including two last year, when Pinoys swept all four legs.
Reyes won the first leg, and the next two was topped by Ramil Gallego and Rodolfo Luat before Reyes closed out with the Jakarta Leg. (ML)
