4 of world’s best in 9-ball billiards clash

The United States-Philippines 9-ball Challenge, a classic duel of four multi-titled pool champions, starts today at the lobby of the Metropolis Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

Former world champions Efren "Bata" Reyes and Johnny Archer meet in the opening race-to-11 at 12 noon, while Francisco "Django" Bustamante takes on five-time US Open champion Earl Strickland in the other match.

"I’ll do my best," Reyes said. "But I cannot promise I will win because I am playing against world champions."

Strickland, on his first visit to the Philippines, said, "I look forward to exciting matches, especially with Efren." He added he does not remember how many times he won or lost in his past encounters with Reyes, but conceded "I guess he’s ahead."

Reyes, Strickland, Archer, Bustamante and referee Mike Lebron were guests at the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s Forum at the Holiday Inn yesterday.

The free-admission, four-day tournament, a Christmas 2000 presentation of Viva Vintage Television and Puyat Sports, will be televised nationwide on a slightly-delayed basis. Today’s matches will be aired from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Bustamante faces Archer in tomorrow’s pairings while Reyes will test Strickland’s mettle.

On Friday, Archer plays Strickland and Reyes collides with Bustamante in a round-robin format elimination round.

The tournament winds up on Saturday with the race-to-13 semi-finals and final matches with the winner getting the $20,000 prize. The runner-up will receive $10,000 while the two losing semi-finalists will get $5,000 each.