This young billiards master could be the next Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes!

MANILA, Philippines – Known as the “Billiard King”, Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes is a popular sports figure in the Philippines due to his prowess in playing billiards. But the 64-year-old billiard champ is old now and isn’t as sharp as he had been in his youth.
Bernie Regalario next Efren Bata Reyes

Billiard fans need not worry, though, because a 14-year-old Pinoy kid is predicted to follow in his footsteps.

Bernie Regalario next Efren Bata Reyes
Photo credit: Vinod Divakaran / Wiki Media Commons

At 14, Bernie Regalario has won in the Battle of the Champion 10 event held last January 2019. The young champion is also competing in the 1st Vandal 10-Ball Amateur Handicapping Billiard Tournament, an event scheduled from May 17 to 26. The event is being held at Vandal Sports Bar, 107 Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City, hence the name.

Bernie Regalario next Efren Bata Reyes
Photo credit: Wild Blu / Facebook

An incoming Grade 9 student at Arcadio Santos High School in Paranaque City, Regalario belongs to the Wilde Blu Junior Pool Team backed up by Mr. Nino Lopez, the local distributor of Wilde Blu products and Volturi Custom Cases in the Philippines.

Bernie Regalario next Efren Bata Reyes
Photo credit: Wild Blu / Facebook

His teammates include Paul Kenneth Arpilleda, the son of 1997 Jakarta Southeast Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Victor Arpilleda, as well as Dexter Barnido, Jalil P. Noche, Hanz Nicos Blente, and Rey Calanao.

“I hope to do well in the 1st Vandal 10-Ball Amateur Handicapping Billiard Tournament,” Regalario said.

If he wins the tournament, Regalario will take home Php 70,000 and a trophy – and that’s something his fans are looking forward to.

It might be too early to tell, but several fans are saying this young billiards master is going to be the next Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes. If he continues his winning streak, he could land a spot in major tournaments around the world, just like the Philippines’ most popular billiards player.

— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express



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