A rare encounter saw billiards fans come together as local and international legends came together to battle it out in front of a passionate Pinoy crowd in a three-day showcase in Quezon City. The match delivered world-class action and proved the strength of the country's billiards culture.
Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante led the line-up of stars, along with foreign legends Ralf “The Kaiser” Souquet and Earl “The Pearl” Strickland. Despite a nervous start, Bustamante prevailed over Strickland by a score of 11–9, while receiving the cheers and support of the audience.
As the matches continued, fans flocked to witness the clash of legends inside a mall venue—a testament to the public interest in billiards is alive and well. Bustamante expressed gratitude for the continued support of his countrymen who were eager to witness this historical gathering.
Reyes, known as “The Magician,” shared that the crowd provided great energy, especially when he secured an 11–8 win against Souquet. For him, the presence of youth is important, because it shapes the next generation of players.
According to Souquet, the legends remain competitive despite their age, proving that talent is timeless. With the continued support of fans, the message is clear: as long as possible, the legends will continue to create inspiration and entertainment for the people.
