MANILA, Philippines — Efren “Bata” Reyes won’t be able to defend his Master of the Table crown in the annual Derby City Classic in the United States next week because of a recurring back pain.

In the past, Reyes can tolerate the pain while playing even with sore eyes.

But this time, it’s different.

“Masakit talaga,” Reyes, 57, said on Wednesday.

Known worldwide as The Magician, Reyes had told the Manila Bulletin recently that he is considering retirement becauseof deteriorating eyesight.

He said the outcome of his campaign in this same tournament set at the Horshoe Casino Hotel in Indiana will help him make the decision.

But with his withdrawal from the tourney, is it the end of the “magic show”?

“Hindi pa naman. I think kaya pa,” said the former double world champion, who started playing the game at the tender age of eight.

Reyes claimed his fifth Master of the Table crown last year, making him the most decorated player in the history of the tourney, having won the same title in 1999, 2004, 2005 and 2007.

That feat is a special award since it was only given to the player who dished out the best performance in three featured events – 9-Ball, One Pocket, and 9-Ball Banks. Reyes finished runner up in the 9-ball banks and ruled the 9-ball competition at the expense of American Rodney Morris, 7-4, last year.

In all, Reyes won the 9-ball event four times and one pocket five times