Reyes Turns Back Gomez for Crown

By JONAS TERRADO

September 18, 2010, 8:54pm

Efren 'Bata' Reyes beams with pride after besting Roberto Gomez. (Photo by ALI VICOY)

MANILA, Philippines — Efren "Bata' Reyes rediscovered his magic tough as he stormed back from a three-rack deficit to defeat Roberto Gomez, 10-9, on Saturday and capture the 10th Annual Predator 10-Ball International Championship at The Block at SM North Edsa.

In a title showdown pitting Gomez's youthful exuberance against the vast experience of the 55-year old Reyes, it was the latter who came up with the timely shots when it mattered the most, outwitting the former in a contest that looked like a chess match.

The victory enabled Reyes to take home the top prize of $10,000 (roughly 450,000) while shrugging the effects of a disappointing run in the last week's World Cup of Pool where he and Django Bustamante failed to defend their title after losing in the Round-of-16.

It was a win even Reyes didn't expect as he had to erase a 7-4 deficit to top the four-day tournament where he admitted to have a difficult time making good shots due to his poor eyesight.

"Naisip ko nga na talo ako at malayo na yung inabot ng kalaban ko at hindi ko na inaasahan na gaganda pa tira ko. Yung laban na 'to sobrang bwenas na talaga, dapat nga 10-1 na yung laban," said Reyes.

Reyes forged an All-Filipino final with Gomez after fashioning out his first come-from-behind win of the day, a 9-5 beating of Rodney Morris in the semifinals. In that match, Morris zoomed to a 4-2 lead but faulty shots allowed Reyes to rally back and steal the match from the American.

From there, Reyes immediately plunged into action and had to endure yet another comeback when the 32-year old Gomez zoomed to a 7-4 lead and his confidence fading.

But Gomez rediscovered the bitter memories of his stunning loss to England's Darren Peach in the 2007 World 9-Ball finals as he made key misses. From there, Reyes outwitted Gomez in a battle of safeties to win the next four racks to take the lead.

Both players traded racks to force a winner-take-all 19th rack but Gomez had a bad positioning on the two-ball that allowed Reyes, egged on by a huge crowd, to clean up the next seven balls before Gomez conceded.