Teenage billiards wunderkind Albert James Manas felt a huge amount of pressure facing the Filipino billiards legend himself, Efren “Bata” Reyes, at the MassKara Billiards Tournament held Wednesday. And all the more when he realized that SM City Bacolod, the venue for the event, was filled with cheering fans and supporters of “The Magician.”
But watching the game, it wouldn’t be wrong to say the Grade 10 student managed his nerves very well. His strokes were smooth and he stayed cool throughout. 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. To overcome his nervousness, Manas says he just took his time.
It’s actually the boy’s second time playing against Reyes, who just happens to be known as the “greatest pool player of all time.” He tells us it’s not easy winning against a legend, but he feels more confident meeting him for the second time.
“Medyo mahirap din po kasi nahihiya po talaga ako maglaro nung time na yon sa sobrang daming nanonood. Ang dami niya po kasing fans,” the boy from Antipolo tells ANCX. “Lahat po idol siya.”
Like many billiard players and enthusiasts, Manas also considers Reyes his idol in the sport. What he admires most about the celebrated billiards titan is his being an excellent strategist. “Pinag-iisipan niya ang bawat tira,” the boy says.
In an interview with GMA News, Reyes said a few good words about the young pool player. “Panalo ‘yung pocketing niya. ‘Yung panghulog ng bata, ang galing. Mayroon na rin siyang mga position,” he said. “Ang tira ko naman ngayon, pawala na eh. 'Yung mga tinitira niyang pahulog, ako hindi ko na kaya 'yun eh. Magaling kahit malayo.”
Asked how he managed to clinch the win against Reyes, Manas tells us 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,” he offers.
Manas learned to play pool when he was seven years old thru his grandfather, who continues to be his mentor in the sport. His lolo, says the teenage pool player, taught him the importance of discipline as well as a number of safety techniques. To hone his billiards skills, Manas practices for two to four hours every day. He tells us he doesn’t have other interests and pastimes. “Billiards lang po talaga,” he says laughing.
Manas says he dreams of joining bigger tournaments abroad in the future, if given the chance, and become a member of the Philippine team.