The Rizal provincial government on Wednesday, Feb. 22, gave due recognition to 15-year-old Albert James Manas who is now recognized as the "Billiards Boy Wonder of Antipolo" after defeating one of the best pool players in the country in a match held in Bacolod City in October last year.
Rizal Governor Nina Ynares and Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares personally welcomed Manas at the municipal hall where he was given a cash incentive and college scholarship grant courtesy of the provincial government.
Gov. Ynares said that the cash incentive and scholarship grant will be a great help to Manas as he aspires to be included in the country's billiard's national team and compete in the world stage.
Manas rose to fame after defeating "The Magician," Efren "Bata" Reyes, during the MassKara Billiards Tournament. The 15-year-old battled it out against the 68-year-old veteran in the semifinals of the 10-ball race to eight, and in the end, Manas prevailed with a score of 8-5.
Manas learned to play pool when he was seven years old from his grandfather who continues to be his mentor in the sport.
Manas' grandfather taught him the importance of discipline as well as a number of safety techniques.
In an interview with GMA, The Magician lauded the skills of Manas and added that the child has a great future ahead of him in the world of billiards.
"Panalo ‘yung pocketing niya. ‘Yung panghulog ng bata, ang galing. Mayroon na rin siyang mga position (His pocketing is excellent as well as the way he drops the ball. He is also knowledgeable in the different positions in playing pool)," Reyes said.
“Ang tira ko naman ngayon, pawala na eh. 'Yung mga tinitira niyang pahulog, ako hindi ko na kaya 'yun eh. Magaling kahit malayo (My touch is slowly fading. I can no longer do the same techniques he's using now. Even if the shot is far away, he is still excellent)," he added.
Asked how he managed to defeat Reyes, Manas said that he just applied everything he knows and focused on the game.
“Pag nabigyan ka ng chance sa table, pagpursigihan mo nang makuha yung game na ‘yon (Once you've been given the chance at the table, do your best and persevere in winning that game)," Manas said