BACKED by reinforcements outside Europe, it will now be The Rest of the World against Team Asia in the 2nd Efren Reyes Cup scheduled Oct. 16 to 19 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Aside from European pool giants, the defending champion Asians will now get to battle against other elite players from across the globe, including those from the US, like billiards legend Shane Van Boening and two-time world pool champ Fedor Gorst, organizing British promoter Matchroom announced on its website over the weekend.
The revised roster was likely a result of the 6-11 beating the Europeans absorbed in the inaugural edition of the competition named after Filipino billiards great Efren “Bata” Reyes, who was the team manager of the triumphant Asian squad spearheaded by local bet Johann Chua and Singaporean ace Aloysius Yapp.
“Let them all team up — Asia is ready. They saw what happened last year, and we’re only getting stronger,” said Reyes confidently in a statement announcing the major change against Team Asia’s opponent.
“Playing in front of our (Filipino) fans gives us something special, and I believe in our players. Team Rest of the World, better come prepared, because Team Asia is not giving up this title easily,” the revered “Magician” added.
Popular Scottish player and former US Open champion Jayson Shaw, who was on the losing side of Team Europe, countered that “they (Team Asia) had their moment last year – fair play to them.
“But trust me, this year will be different. Europa, America — whatever flag we wear, we’re going there to win, silence the crowd, and take that trophy.
“We’ve got the players, and we’ve got a point to prove. I’ll be doing everything I can to make the team, and if I get the call, I’ll be ready to go there, put on a show, and win.”
“If you thought last year was big, this takes things to the next level. Europe and the Americas joining forces is a bold move, and it shows just how much the Reyes Cup already means,” noted Matchroom Multi-Sport CEO Emily Frazer.
“We’re proud to be working with Puyat Sports once again to deliver something truly global, and with the best players in the world on one stage, it’s going to be a can’t-miss event.”
Team Asia will once again feature the top three ranked Asian players on the World Nineball Tour rankings, alongside two wildcards.
Team Rest of the World will be composed of the top three non-Asian players from the WNT rankings, with two wildcard picks to complete the squad.
