Rising cue artist from Pampanga invited to prestigious US tilt

An up-and-coming billiards talent from Pampanga province is set to represent the Philippines in a prestigious pool event after being formally invited to participate in the 2017 Billiards Congress of America Pool League (BCAPL)/United States of America Pool League (USAPL) National Tournament Championship from July 19 to 29 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Soon making his debut on US soil is Bhates Reyes, a 20-year-old cue phenomenon from the municipality of Lubao, who, early in his young billiards career, has already been making great strides in following the footsteps of his idols, pool legend Efren “Bata” Reyes and Carlo Biado.

Reyes recently received a letter of invitation from Cue Sports International (CSI) Manager Ozzy to join the BCAPL/USAPL competition, which is held annually and participated in by some of the prominent pool players in the US and around the world.

The young cue master apparently caught the attention of international billiards tournament organizers after ruling various local contests since 2011.

“Pangarap ko po talagang sumikat sa paglalaro ng billiards gaya ng mga iniidolo ko at katawanin ang Pilipinas sa international competitions. Kaya po todo ang pagsisikap at pag-eensayo ko para matupad ang lahat ng ito. Sana po, palarin ako sa pagsali ko sa tournament sa US para makapagbigay po ako ng karangalan sa bansa,” Reyes said.

Among the top local tournaments he won include the2016 Iba, Zambales 9-Ball Open, 2016 Christmas Rumble 9 Ball Billiard Tournament, 2014 Davao City 10-Ball Open, 2014 Bacolod City 10-Ball Open, 2013 Laoag City 10-Ball Open, 2012 Baguio City 8-Ball Tournament and the 2012 Battle of the Champions Pampanga Open. JESSE C. ONG