Strickland rules WNT Legends, but still hails Bata Reyes as ‘amazing’

MANILA, Philippines — Efren “Bata” Reyes may have finished fourth and last in the WNT Legends. But there was no mistaking, even among his equally legendary peers, who the sport’s greatest of all time is.

“There’s never gonna be another Efren,” said American Earl “The Pearl” Strickland, who crowned himself champion of the short but sweet event by downing Francisco “Django” Bustamante, 11-6, in the finale at the Gateway 2 Mall.

Strickland, a three-time world champion and five-time US titlist, was, of course, referring to the one everybody calls “The Magician”.

“He’s an amazing player and I learned so much from him,” he added.

Somehow, Strickland got his little revenge.

“Francsico has beaten me on every planet,” he said before their title duel.

But Strickland ended up returning the favor to Bustamante, who beat him on opening day, 11-9, somehow casting some cloud of doubts on the latter on whether he could come back from that one.

He did.

Strickland and Soquet also beat Bustamante and Reyes in the team event, 5-4, while Soquet took third after an 11-9 over Reyes.

Reyes went home with a lone win, an 11-8 triumph over Soquet on the first day.

But in the eyes of everyone, including the adoring fans, Reyes remained the best pool has produced.