Bata captures 9-ball crown in Spain

MANILA, Philippines - Pool legend Efren “Bata”Reyes trounced Dutch Niels Feijen, 11-8, in the final to rule the Spanish Open 9-ball Championship in Vigo, Spain over the weekend.

It was the latest of Reyes’ string of victories in the year, underscoring the 56-year-old Filipino’s awesome form. He topped the Derby City Classic Master of the Table in the US and recorded a couple of wins more before adding another in Spain.

He beat Amalia Matas Heredia of Spain, 9-3, in the Last 32 then ripped Carlos Cabello Ariza, also of Spain, 9-3, to advance to the quarterfinal round.

Reyes, the 2010 Player of the Decade, then held off reigning world pool champion Daryl Peach of Great Britain, 9-6, before subduing compatriot Francisco “Django” Bustamante, 9-7, in the semis.

He won $8,000 (around P368,000).

But Reyes failed to score a sweep as he and Bustamante bowed to Ralf Souquet and David Alcaide in the final of the Scotch doubles, 1-5.