Efren Reyes Cup to be launched in the Philippines in October

A tournament named after Philippine billiard icon Efren 'Bata' Reyes will be launched in the country this October.

The World Nineball Tour on Friday announced the new 'Reyes Cup' in partnership with Puyat Sports.

According to an update on its website, the tournament will follow the four-day format of the Mosconi Cup. 

Team Asia, meanwhile, will be represented by the top three ranked players from the World Nineball Rankings, with two additional wildcards selected by the team captain. 

Reyes, in a statement, said it is an honor that the tournament was named after him.

"I am truly humbled and honored that Matchroom has chosen to name this prestigious event after me. The Efren Reyes Cup is not just a tournament; it’s a celebration of the sport we love, and I am excited to see the pool community come together for its first edition in the Philippines," he said in an interview on Matchroom's website.

Putch Puyat of Puyat Sports, meanwhile, said the event will solidify the Philippines as a hub for billiards.

“The Efren Reyes Cup is not just a tournament; it’s a testament to the passion and dedication that Efren Reyes has brought to the world of pool. Teaming up with Matchroom Sports, we at Puyat Sports are thrilled to bring this event to our home country, further solidifying the Philippines’ status as a hub for billiards excellence," said Puyat, who is also known as the godfather of local pool.

Among Reyes' achievements are being a US Open Pool champion, Asian Games bronze medalist, and a six-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News