Reyes and Bustamante out to recapture World Cup of Pool title

The World Cup of Pool, one of the most awaited competitions each year in the sport of billiards, begins this week, stretching from September 4 to 9, at Robinson’s Place Manila. This tournament features 32 teams representing 31 countries, comprised of the best pool players on the planet. This year, Team Germany is out to defend their title, with the other 31 teams gunning for their heads. One of those teams is composed of two Filipino pool legends in Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante, who will compete as Philippines B. Reyes and Bustamante actually won the inaugural staging of the event back in 2006 where they bested Earl Strickland and Rodney Morris of the United States in the Finals. The duo won it all again in 2009 when they defeated Thorsten Hohmann and Ralf Souquet of Germany. However, Reyes and Bustamante have failed to relive their old glory in the past two years. They lost in the Round of 16 back in 2010 and were blasted 9-1 by Team Germany in the quarterfinals last year. “Hindi na kami bata, pero susubukan pa rin naming lumaban,” said the legendary Reyes. Although they are a little long in the tooth, Reyes and Bustamante are still dangerous in the eyes of the other competitors. “Their knowledge of the game is so huge, especially Efren. He's called The Magician for a reason, an Django is a great shot maker," said Souquet, who is again teaming up with Hohmann to defend their 2011 World Cup of Pool title. “It's never going to be easy. But we're ready for the fight,” Souquet added. As the host nation, the Philippines was allowed to put in two teams. Lee Van Corteza and Dennis Orcollo will also represent the country as Philippines A. The younger duo is seeded second, while Reyes and Bustamante were given the eighth seed. The round of 32 and round of 16 will be played from September 4 to 7. The four quarterfinal match-ups will be played on September 8, while the semis and the finals will be played on September 9 at the Robinson’s Place Manila.  - Carlo Pamintuan / AMD, GMA News