Goodbye, 'The Magician'? Bata Reyes eyes retirement
MANILA - The rising cost of joining tournaments, the sport's evolving playing style, and his age are making it easier for Efren "Bata" Reyes to walk away from billiards.
Reyes flew in recently from the US, where he was due to play in several competitions until August, but he cut his trip short saying he wanted to take a break.
"Kapag wala na talaga, magre-retire na ako. Ngayon nga gusto ko na mag-retire," Reyes told ABS-CBN News on Thursday after getting in a few rounds of English billiards at the Manila headquarters of the Billiards and Snookers Congress of the Philippines, the national governing body for cue sports.
"Wala na akong tatalunin ngayon. Sa tournament wala na akong tatalunin, 'saka magastos lumakad."
Reyes said US tournaments at one time didn't charge entrance fees, but now it's not unusual to require players to shell out $2,000 to be able to join events. Add $3,000 for airfare, accommodations and other basics, and that's a $5,000 tab.
"Ang premyo ng 3rd place $5,000, ibig sabihin break-even ka. Paano kung hindi ka 3rd place? Lugi ka," Reyes said, adding that there was a time when lucrative events offered a $100,000 prize for the champion. Now, it's down to just about $30,000.
Source: http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/07/13/17/goodbye-the-magician-bata-reyes-eyes-retirement
Reyes flew in recently from the US, where he was due to play in several competitions until August, but he cut his trip short saying he wanted to take a break.
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| Efren "Bata" Reyes cut short his trip to the US, citing fatigue. He's currently in Manila to prepare for next month's Southeast Asian Games. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News |
"Wala na akong tatalunin ngayon. Sa tournament wala na akong tatalunin, 'saka magastos lumakad."
Reyes said US tournaments at one time didn't charge entrance fees, but now it's not unusual to require players to shell out $2,000 to be able to join events. Add $3,000 for airfare, accommodations and other basics, and that's a $5,000 tab.
"Ang premyo ng 3rd place $5,000, ibig sabihin break-even ka. Paano kung hindi ka 3rd place? Lugi ka," Reyes said, adding that there was a time when lucrative events offered a $100,000 prize for the champion. Now, it's down to just about $30,000.
Source: http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/07/13/17/goodbye-the-magician-bata-reyes-eyes-retirement
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