Billiards: Reyes seeks revenge against Alcano
June 22, 2009 8:50 am
MANILA, June 22 — He may be the favorite to many, but Efren “Bata” Reyes feels that he is a slight underdog in their much-anticipated showdown with fellow former double world champion Ronnie Alcano in the Challenge of the Legend: The Maestro versus The Volcano on June 25 and 26 at the Annex building of SM North Edsa in Quezon City .
“Because the last time –- I think that was the only time – I and Ronnie met in a tournament, he beat me,” said Reyes, referring to the 2006 World Pool Championship, where Alcano, who eventually won the event, eliminated him in the Last 16.
“No doubt Ronnie is one of the best players in the world today, and I know the fact that he really loves to go up against me. Well, let’s see, I’ll be out to get even with him,” added the 55-year-old pool icon.
Reyes and Alcano will square of the game of 15-ball rotation, which is the original pool game of the Filipino, and where the two are considered to be the bests in the world.
“It’s a much tougher game that 9-ball and 10-ball because there are so many balls in the table that would really challenge your skills and decision making,” explained Reyes. “That’s why if you’re good in it, surely you’re also good in 9-ball and 10-ball.”
The match, presented by Senator Manny Villar’s Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports in cooperation with the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines and sponsored by Camella Communities,' will be a race-to-9, alternate break affair.
Senator Villar, the foremost Philippine billiards godfather, will be the guest of honor and will hit the ceremonial break of the event, which will be aired live on ABS-CBN’s Studio 23 from 2 to 6 p.m. The national anthem will be sung by Ava of the Pretty Young Thing (PYT).
The event will have two undercards, the first of which is the JBETpoker.net Scotch Doubles All-Star Challenge, a four-way tournament featuring the tandems of former world No.1 Dennis Orcollo and Asian Games gold medalist Gandy Valle (Bugsy Promotions); former world champion Alex Pagulayan and Rodolfo Luat (Puyat Sports); Lee Van Corteza and Warren Kiamco (Negros Billiards Stable); and Ramil Gallego and Antonio Lining (BMPAP Selection).
There will also be a tournament for the young and up-and-coming pool stars billed as the Sipag at Tiyaga 9-Ball Tournament. (PNA) FFC/LOR/PR
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