In the world of billiards, there are great players, there are champions, and then there is Efren “Bata” Reyes, the man who transcends the sport itself. Known worldwide as The Magician, Reyes has earned an almost mythical reputation for his creativity, calmness under pressure, and an unmatched ability to turn impossible shots into masterpieces.

Throughout his long and decorated career, Reyes has amazed audiences across continents. But one moment stands out among his countless highlights—the China Open 2010, when at the age of 56, he etched his name even deeper into billiards history with a performance so breathtaking that it is still talked about today.

This was no ordinary match. His opponent was no less than the two-time World Champion from the Netherlands, a younger, stronger, and highly respected sharpshooter at the peak of his career. Many believed that Reyes, though still feared, might have been past his prime. After all, time catches up with every athlete—except, it seems, with Efren Reyes.

The China Open had already gained prestige as one of the toughest tournaments on the international calendar. Top players from every corner of the globe flew in to battle for pride, glory, and one of the largest prize pools at the time. Audiences packed the venue, and millions tuned in through live broadcasts across Asia.

Reyes entered the tournament as both a fan favorite and a veteran underdog. Despite his legendary status, many experts doubted if he could keep up with the younger generation. Facing the Dutch champion, who had already won the World Title twice, seemed like an uphill battle. Yet, as Reyes has done countless times in his career, he thrived in the face of doubt.

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From the very first break, it was clear that the Magician had come not just to play, but to dominate. Reyes started smoothly, pocketing balls with effortless precision and displaying that familiar touch of artistry that made commentators run out of superlatives.

Then came the streak that became legendary. Reyes began running racks—one, two, three. The audience murmured in disbelief. Four, five, six. The crowd grew louder, realizing they were witnessing something extraordinary. By the time Reyes cleared the ninth consecutive rack, silence filled the room before erupting into thunderous applause.

A 99.99% perfect nine-rack run against a two-time world champion was not just a victory; it was a masterclass, a reminder to the entire billiards world that greatness does not fade with age. His young opponent, normally confident and calculating, sat helplessly in his chair, unable to even step to the table. The pressure of watching Reyes dismantle rack after rack became unbearable, and as the match ended, the Dutch champion could only shake his head in disbelief and applaud the genius who had just schooled him.

What made this moment so special was not just the victory, but the way Reyes achieved it. Nine consecutive racks in a professional international setting, against one of the most formidable opponents of the time, was virtually unheard of. It wasn’t luck. It wasn’t coincidence. It was pure skill, experience, and magic.

Reyes did not just pocket balls; he orchestrated them like a conductor leading a symphony. His cue ball control was flawless, his shot selections unpredictable yet perfect, and his calm demeanor unshakable. Every rack seemed to tell a story, and every shot reminded the world why he is called The Magician.

For many fans, this match wasn’t just about billiards—it was about witnessing history. It was proof that even as the sport evolves, the brilliance of a true master remains timeless.

The aftermath of the match was a storm of admiration and disbelief. Commentators called it one of the greatest single-match performances in billiards history. Players who were once rivals paid their respects openly, admitting that Reyes had achieved something almost supernatural.

Fans flooded online forums, labeling him the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). One post read:

“You can’t argue anymore. Efren Reyes isn’t just the best player of his era. He’s the best the sport has ever seen. Period.”

Even his opponent from the Netherlands, though disappointed, praised Reyes:

“He didn’t just beat me. He showed me levels of this game I didn’t know existed. That’s why he’s The Magician.”

Efren Reyes’ performance at the China Open 2010 only solidified what fans had long known: he is a living legend. With hundreds of international titles, from the WPA World 9-Ball Championship to the U.S. Open, to countless Asian tournaments, his resume is unmatched. But beyond the trophies and accolades, Reyes represents something more profound—the spirit of billiards itself.

For Filipinos, Reyes is a national treasure. His rise from humble beginnings in Pampanga to becoming a world icon is a story of determination, brilliance, and unshakable belief in one’s craft. For the global billiards community, he is proof that true artistry in sports exists—that sometimes, a man can do things on the table that defy logic.

In sports, debates about the greatest of all time are endless. In basketball, fans argue between Jordan and LeBron. In boxing, between Ali and Tyson. But in billiards, after China Open 2010, the debate was as good as over. Efren “Bata” Reyes wasn’t just the best Filipino player, or the best Asian player—he was the undisputed greatest player to ever hold a cue stick.

His nine-rack run wasn’t merely a number. It was a statement. A 56-year-old veteran had dismantled a younger world champion at the height of his powers. Age, doubt, and pressure—all crumbled before the Magician’s hands.

The China Open 2010 was more than a tournament. For fans, it was a reminder that greatness is eternal. Efren “Bata” Reyes, with his 99.99% flawless performance and nine consecutive racks against a two-time world champion, gave the sport of billiards a moment that will never be forgotten.

At that moment, he wasn’t just a player. He was an artist, a magician, and an immortal in the world of sports. The crowd in China witnessed history, the Dutch champion felt the weight of genius, and the world bowed to the reality that the GOAT of billiards wears the name Efren “Bata” Reyes.

Even today, more than a decade later, when fans discuss the greatest moments in billiards, the China Open 2010 remains at the top of the list. Because that was the day when the Magician reminded everyone that no matter how strong the opponent, magic always finds a way.