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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Team Asia to defend Reyes Cup title against first-ever 'Team Rest of the World'

Team Asia to defend Reyes Cup title against first-ever 'Team Rest of the World'

Published Aug 1, 2025 04:47 pm
The stage is set for an explosive twist at the 2025 Reyes Cup, as reigning champion Team Asia faces a newly formed and formidable opponent called "Team Rest of the World".
The clash takes place from Oct. 16 to 19 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, and for the first time elite players from Europe, the Americas, Oceania and beyond will unite under one banner in a mission to dethrone Team Asia, which captured the inaugural Reyes Cup with an emphatic 11–6 win in front of a passionate home crowd.
Team Asia will once again feature the top three ranked Asian players on the World Nineball Tour rankings, alongside two wildcards. Their opponents, Team Rest of the World, will follow the same format — bringing together the top three non-Asian players from the WNT rankings with two wildcard picks to complete the squad.
This seismic change sets the stage for thrilling new combinations and unexpected rivalries, with national and continental pride on the line in the ultimate team showdown.
Efren Reyes, the tournament’s namesake and icon of Filipino pool, stated: “Let them all team up — Asia is ready. They saw what happened last year, and we’re only getting stronger. Playing in front of our fans gives us something special, and I believe in our players. Team Rest of the World better come prepared, because Team Asia is not giving up this title.”
Jayson Shaw, one of the sport’s most fiery competitors and a vocal rival of Team Asia, is among those hoping to earn a place on the Rest of the World roster.
“They had their moment last year – fair play to them. But trust me, this year will be different. Europe, America — whatever flag we wear, we’re going there to win, silence the crowd, and take that trophy. We’ve got the players, and we’ve got a point to prove. I’ll be doing everything I can to make the team, and if I get the call, I’ll be ready to go there, put on a show, and win," he said.
With the world’s best set to collide once again in Manila, fans won’t want to miss a moment with the games available for live viewing at One Sports and WNT TV,
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