The Efren Reyes Cup is a new invitational nineball tournament featuring Team Asia vs. Team Europe, scheduled for October 17th-20th in Manila. Named after pool legend Efren Reyes, the event mirrors the Mosconi Cup format and showcases the top-ranked players from both regions. Qualification unfolds over three major tournaments, with Reyes emphasizing the event’s significance to the pool community.
The World Nineball Tour has announced a new invitational competition, the Efren Reyes Cup, similar to the Mosconi Cup. Scheduled for October 17th-20th in Manila, Philippines, this event will showcase a match-up between Team Asia and Team Europe, featuring top players from both continents. It honors the legendary pool player Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes, who is revered as the greatest in the sport’s history.
Efren Reyes has an impressive track record, including being a world champion and winning the US Open Pool Championship. He partnered with Francisco Bustamante in winning the World Cup of Pool in 2009, solidifying his legacy in billiards. The tournament is structured to mimic the four-day team format of the Mosconi Cup, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in December at Alexandra Palace in London.
Team Asia will comprise the top three players from the World Nineball Rankings and two wildcards chosen by the Team Asia captain. Currently leading Team Asia is Aloysius Yapp of Singapore, following his victory at the International Open last October. Meanwhile, David Alcaide represents Team Europe.
Qualification for the Reyes Cup will be determined through a three-stage cut-off process, with players being selected after key tournaments: the World Pool Championship in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; the European Open in Fulda, Germany; and the US Open Pool Championship in Atlantic City, USA. Rankings will be based on the 2024 one-year list for players from both teams.
Efren Reyes expressed his deep gratitude for the tournament being named after him, highlighting that the event represents not just a competition but a celebration of pool. Matchroom Multi Sport CEO Emily Frazer noted that this tournament is a realization of a long-held dream to bring such globally recognized events to the Philippines, honoring Reyes in his homeland, where he has passionately promoted the sport for over 50 years.
Original Source: www.planetsport.com
