Bata inspiration to future presidents

The last time the legendary pool wizard Efren “Bata” Reyes picked his possible successor, he singled out Carlo Biado on top of other younger aspirants.

This was last June during a merienda at Resorts World Manila, where Reyes was one of the honorees in the “Pagpupugay” tribute to the country’s greatest athletes of the last 100 years.

This was also the occasion when he unofficially shed his crown as king of pool sharks hereabouts, in the process baring how he had lost his magical vision after having undergone a laser eye procedure.

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Of course, Reyes did not step out of the national billiards scene for good.

Earlier in the week, there was a picture of him, robust and bright-faced, sizing the lot after a big conversion in the MP (Manny Pacquiao) Cup Philippine Open 10-Ball championship in General Santos City.

He won that first game and struggled through the remaining stages to set up a semifinal match against local snooker expert Benjie Guevarra.

Meanwhile, Biado lost his semifinal match against Demosthenes Pulpul over a technicality that had Bata’s protege failing to call the pocket for his final conversion.

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Going by how he had rated himself against younger local pool sharks, Bata Reyes must’ve been amazed after Edwin Espejo of the Gensan Times reported that The Magician went on to capture the championship, to the surprise and delight of a big Friday evening crowd.

The score Bata 11, Pulpul 10.

What a national thrill it would’ve been, indeed, if there was television coverage of the event, with Bata Reyes again performing a classic symphony on the felt table.

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Despite the big win, his first after a long time, Bata refused to give a hint that he’s back with a bang.

What he continued to insist is for billiards to enjoy a revival that could again set up the Philippines as the epicenter of world pool, the way it was during Bata’s prime.

Bata Reyes also continued to bat for the inclusion of billiards in the sports calendar of both the NCAA and the UAAP.

Take it from the maestro himself, billiards is a great discipline that helps sharpen calculation, composition and management skills.

It’s great for perfecting composure and self-control.

Billiards cures reckless ways and impulsiveness, which also means the game should be a must for future presidents.