Bata starts defense of Predator 10-ball crown

FILIPINO billiards master Efren “Bata” Reyes will defend his title in the 2011 Predator International 10-Ball Championship which gets underway tomorrow at the Robinson’s Galleria in Ortigas.

A player’s meeting is scheduled at 5 p.m. today at the 4th level of Max Restaurant said Cindy Lee of the organizing Dragon Promotions Inc.

The 56-year-old Reyes will be going all out against 95 of the world’s best cue masters including former world champions Mika Immonen of Finland and Darren Appleton of England, reigning Philippine Open titlist Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, countryman and reigning world No. 1 Dennis Orcollo and Malaysia Golden break champion Lee Vann Corteza.

“Every player has a chance for the title but we’re optimistic and ready. The home crowd will play a major role in this tournament. They’re our inspiration,” said Reyes, a former world 9-ball and 8-ball pool champion.

The hall of famer Reyes, playing under the banner of Puyat Sports, grabbed the crown last year by rallying past compatriot Roberto “Pinoy Superman” Gomez, 10-9, to win the $10,000 top prize.

Reyes, also known by his moniker “The Magician” teamed up with fellow Puyat Sports ace Francisco “Django” Bustamante, the reigning World 9-Ball Pool Champion in the recent World Cup of Pool. They lost in the quarterfinals to eventual champion Germany represented in the team event competition by Hohmann and Ralf Souquet. Souquet also won the recent World Pool Masters crown at the SM North Edsa in Quezon City.

More than 30 countries have confirmed participation in this edition of the Predeator 10-Ball Championship including Germany, India, Sweden, China, England, Australia, Finland, Norway, Mexico, Canada, Curacao, Venezuela, Spain, Portugal, Russia, Austria, Hungary, the Netherlands, Italy, USA, Malta and host country Philippines.