INQUIRER Sports

The Maestro proves he?s still got the moves to make it big in huge international competitions.

RP billiards master Efren ?Bata? Reyes beat American Cliff Joyner in the semifinals, then subdued former undefeated American Shannon ?The Cannon? Daulton in the final to bag the One Pocket division title yesterday in the Galveston World Classic at the Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center in Galveston, Texas.

Aside from the title, Reyes also avenged his earlier loss to Daulton in their hot seat encounter.

Meanwhile, former world 9-ball champion Alex ?The Lion? Pagulayan and Ramil ?Bebeng? Gallego won their opening matches in the 10-ball division.

The Japan-based Gallego, who got bye in the opening round, beat John Hagar, Bobby Pickle and Stan Tourangeau while Pagulayan nipped compatriot Marlon Manalo, Shannon Daulton, Scott Frost and Ernesto Dominguez.

Former world 9-ball and 8-ball champion Ronato ?Volcano? Alcano and ex-world 9-ball finalist Roberto ?Pinoy Superman? Gomez will face each other in the winner's bracket of the eight-ball competition.

Alcano bested Isaac Runnels, Shane Van Boening, Stan Tourangeau, Alex Pagulayan, Rodney Morris and Larry Nevel while Gomez took a bye in the first round then toppled Toni Pistool, Dee Adkhins, Cliff Joyner, countryman Jose ?Amang? Parica and Goh Takami.

Meanwhile, 15-year-old Yu Ram Cha of Korea won $10,000 after beating Allison Fischer of Great Britain in the Women's 9-ball final.