Efren Reyes – Philippines

Age -                     51 (Born 26 August ’54)

Based -                 Angeles City, Philippines

Nickname -            ‘Bata’ and The Magician

Hobbies -               Chess, Cock Fighting

Cue Used -             Judd

Achievements -       1999 World Pool Champion, 1994 US Open Champion, World Pool League Champion 2001 & 2002, King of the Hill Champion 2005, winner 2004 San Miguel Asian 9-Ball Tour.

Reyes is a living legend in his home country of the Philippines where he is one of their highest profile sportsmen. His 1999 World Championship victory live on TV, elevated pool into the major league and saw Reyes become a national celebrity, starring in subsequent TV adverts for San Miguel Beer and McDonalds among others. Now 51 years-old, Efren is still one of the most feared players in the world.

A poor World Championship in July 2005 which saw him fail to clear the group stages for the first time was to prove to be the final straw and later that year Reyes underwent corrective eye surgery to right his fading vision.

A nation of fans held their breath for the results and in his first major outing, the Magician conjured up pool’s biggest ever first prize when he walloped Mike Sigel to take the $200,000 cheque at the King of the Hill event in Florida.

For a man who claimed to be at his best in the late 70’s, he’s hanging in there and with a very tough opening round match against Ralf Souquet, Reyes will need all his powers to lift this one.