Home » Efren “Bata” Reyes reveals why billiards isn’t part of the Olympics

Efren “Bata” Reyes reveals why billiards isn’t part of the Olympics

Filipino pool legend Efren “Bata” Reyes explained why billiards has never been included in the Olympics in the first place.

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Reyes speaks on billiards not being part of the Olympics

Reyes, 74, is widely regarded as the GOAT of billiards, with multiple world titles and a career spanning over three decades.

Despite his legendary status as the “Magician,” Reyes expressed regret that billiards has not been included in the Olympics.

“They don’t want to include billiards in the Olympics, but it should be included,” Reyes said in Filipino during his exclusive interview with Mansion Sports.

Reyes shared that the Olympic governing bodies had considered adding billiards to the Olympic events.

Under Reyes’ leadership, the Philippines won the demonstration matches from 1991 to 1995.

He also assembled a team of Filipino greats, including Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Jose Parica, Rodolfo Luat, and the late Leonardo Andam.

However, with the Philippines dominating the sport, the Olympic governing body decided not to include billiards in the Summer Games.

“They chose to put players in the team. They wanted the teams to demonstrate in order to know if it would be worthwhile.”

“[From] 1991 until 1995, we were the defending champs. After that the Olympics said they didn’t want to include billiards. No one would win, so billiards didn’t get included in the Olympics.”

“But I really want billiards to be included in the Olympics. Because in the Philippines before, no one could win gold in the Olympics, maybe we could win one in billiards.”

2024 Hanoi Open

Mansion Sports announced that Reyes the Hanoi Open Pool Championship 2024 as the official ambassador of the brand.

The tournament will take place from October 8-13, 2024, showcasing some of the best players in the world of billiards.

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