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'The Magician' teams up with Ronnie Alcano in 10-Ball showdown vs Django, Biado

Sports

'The Magician' teams up with Ronnie Alcano in 10-Ball showdown vs Django, Biado

By Jonas Terrado

efren bata reyes — Efren 'Bata' Reyes of Philippines takes his turn against Vietnam's Ngo Dinh Nai in men's carom (1-cushion) semifinal at the Tent City of Manila Hotel in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games last December. (MB File Photo / Ali Vicoy)

Not only is Efren “Bata” Reyes alive and well, but he’s still good enough to play competitive pool.

Reyes, who debunked false reports of his death over the weekend, is scheduled to compete in a 10-ball scotch doubles that will be aired online on Jan. 23.

The 66-year-old pool legend will team up with Ronnie Alcano in a race-to-25 affair against his good buddy Django Bustamante and Carlo Biado in the event dubbed as the “Sharks 10-Ball Showdown.”

Read: Relive the career highlights of Filipino pool legend Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes

The doubles match is going to be shown live starting at 3 p.m. on the Sharks’ Facebook page in the continuing series of pool matches that began in late-December.

It is a chance for fans to witness Reyes on a larger scale, albeit virtually, less than two years ago after competing in the men’s carom competitions of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Reyes is also set to compete after a malicious post showing a “fake news” of his demise last Friday.

Read: Dream come true as young artist dedicates artwork to living legend ‘Bata’ Reyes

He and his family were quick to deny the claims by showing a video of “The Magician” enjoying a televised NBA game at his home in Angeles City, Pampanga.

They are also mulling the possibility of pressing charges and asking authorities to pinpoint those responsible.

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Efren Bata Reyes

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