Bata: ‘I need to play hard to defend my Predator World 10-Ball title’

Efren “Bata” Reyes will defend his title in the 2011 Predator International 10-Ball Championship which will run from Sept. 15 to 18 at the Robinsons Place Manila.

Reyes of Puyat Sports, will battle billiards heavyweights including Mika Immonen of Finland, Darren Appleton of Great Britain and Thorsten Hohmann of Germany

“I’m hoping to defend my title but I need to play hard. Every player has a chance to be a Predator champion,” said the former double world champion Reyes, who edged countryman Roberto “Pinoy Superman” Gomez, 10-9 in the last year finals to pocket the $10,000 top prize and the championship trophy.

Over 30 countries are expected to be represented at this year’s edition including Germany, India, Sweden, China, England, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Australia, Finland, Hong Kong, Norway, Mexico, Canada, Curacao, Venezuela, Spain, Portugal, Russia, Austria, Hungary, Netherlands, Italy, Malta and the US.

The four-day competition will be aired live over ABS-CBN and ESPN Star Sports.

“After last year’s smashing success, we were thrilled that Dragon Promotions is keeping the event in the Philippines. Each year, the event grows and more people are attracted to playing, watching and following the Predator Championship,” said John Forrester, Chairman of The Predator Group. Correspondent MARLON BERNARDINO