Reyes enters Villar Cup quarterfinals

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Pool legend Efren “Bata” Reyes advanced into the quarterfinals of the First Senate President Manny Villar Cup Bacolod leg after beating teenage prodigy Johann Chua, 11-6, at the Garden Royal Function Hall of Goldenfields Commercial Complex Saturday.

A report posted on AZBilliards.com said the “Magician” had to work extra hard to storm back from a 0-4 deficit to beat Chua.

The 54-year-old Reyes cleaned up the next five racks to take the lead 5-4.

The 16-year-old Chua had a break, taking two of the next three racks to tie the scores at 6-all.

Reyes, however, wiped out the succeeding five racks to earn his ticket to the quarters.

The “Magician” was coming off an easy 11-5 win over upstart Mike Takayama, prior to his match against Chua.

Chua, meanwhile, came into the match fresh from winning an 11-6 upset against Davao leg winner Roberto Gomez.

Reyes’ next opponent will be former world champion Kunihiko Takahashi, who ruled the World 9-Ball Championship in 1998.

Other players who fought it out in the quarterfinals late Saturday were Gandy Valle who will face Rodolfo Luat; Ramil Gallego against Joven Bustamante; and Michael Feliciano opposite Ronnie Aying.

The semifinals and the finals are both scheduled Sunday.

At stake in tournament are the coveted Villar Cup and the $15,000 top prize that goes with it.

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