Reyes takes underdog role in duel vs Alcano

Ranged against former double world champion Ronnie Alcano, pool icon Efren “Bata” Reyes said he will be the underdog when they square off in the Challenge of the Legend: The Maestro versus The Volcano on June 25-26 at SM North Edsa’s annex building in Quezon City.

For one, the amiable Reyes said he had lost to Alcano the last time they crossed paths even as he maintained that his rival remains one of the best in the sport.

“The last time we met in a tournament, he beat me,” said Reyes, referring to the 2006 World Pool Championship, where Alcano, eliminated him in the Last 16 on his way to the crown.

“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,” said the 55-year-old Reyes.

The duo will play in a 15-ball rotation, the original pool game of the Filipino and where the two are considered to be the best in the world.

“It’s a much tougher game than 9-ball and 10-ball because there are so many balls in the table that would really challenge your skills and decision making,” said 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 Sen. 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.

Villar, a long-time sports patron, will be the guest of honor and will hit the ceremonial break. The event 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.