Efren “Bata” Reyes named “Player of the Decade” by US Billiards Media Association!

Efren "Bata" ReyesFresh from the recent news of Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao being hailed as the “Fighter of the Decade”, fellow Pilipino Efren “Bata” Reyes brings more pride to Pilipinos the world over as the United States Billiards Media Association (USBMA) names him the “Best Pool Player of the Decade” (2000-2009), by no less than a unanimous decision!

The 55 year-old “Magician”, a native of Angeles City, Pampanga, garnered the most number of votes in the USBMA poll, decisively topping a short list of candidates that includes two-time world champions Johnny Archer of the USA and Ralf Soquet of Germany, and the world’s current No. 1 player, Mika Immonen of Finland.

According to the international Billiards website, AZBilliards, Reyes swept over 20 Major Men’s Professional Pool titles in the last ten years. Starting with the $30,000 Camel Pro 8-Ball Championship in 2000, his wins this past decade include four One-Pocket crowns, four 8-Ball titles, fourteen 9-Ball titles, and five Derby City All-Around titles.

In 2003, Reyes was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Hall of Fame, and has since earned $1.7 million, excluding the $47,500 he won during the 12 Annual Derby City Classic in Indiana last week.

In addition to these merits, Reyes is also the first Pilipino to win the prestigious World Pool (9-ball) Championships tiara in 1999 at Cardiff, Wales.

“He (Efren) is an inspiration for Pilipinos,” said long-time benefactor Aristeo “Putch” Puyat.