Efren Reyes, Francisco Bustamante open bid Sept. 4

Hall of Famers Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante team up anew as they gun for a record third title in the Partypoker.Net World Cup of Pool kicking off today at Robinsons Ermita Midtown in Manila.

Representing Team Philippines-B, Reyes and Bustamante open their campaign against Lee Chen-man and Kenny Kwok of Hong Kong in one of three night matches starting at 6 p.m.

Reyes and Bustamante prevailed in an epic duel against German ace Ralf Souquet and Oliver Ortmann in Quezon City to add to their crown in the inaugural edition in 2006.

“We’ve been playing well the past two years, but we’re still losing,” said Reyes.

Souquet, however, believes the legendary Filipino pair remain a heavy favorite.

“(Reyes) is not called the Magician for nothing,” said Souquet. “His knowledge of the game is so huge. He has a different imagination of seeing shots no one can see.”

Along with Thorsten Hohmann, Souquet will be looking to give Germany the distinction as the tournament’s first repeat champions.

The Philippines will be represented by two teams in the $250,000 tournament with Dennis Orcollo pairing up with Lee Vann Corteza.

They tangle on Wednesday with Switzerland’s Dimitri Jungo and Ronni Regli. The Germans also start their bid on Day 2 against Serbia’s Andrea Klasovic and Zoran Svilar.

The 32-team event involves 31 countries.