REYES AND BUSTAMANTE DELIVER HOME-SOIL MASTERCLASS | WNT LEGENDS

Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante rolled back the years on a memorable opening day of WNT Legends, defeating Ralf Souquet and Earl Strickland respectively to underline Filipino dominance on home soil.

Staged in partnership with Puyat Sports, the first World Nineball Tour event of 2026 – WNT Legends – runs from 21–23 January at Gateway Mall, Quezon City, with global coverage on WNT TV and local broadcasts via the Pilipinas Live app and One Sports.

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Reflecting on the opening day, Reyes said: “It’s a pleasure to be able to play with these guys again. Two wins for the Philippines today – Django and I showing that we’ve still got it. Hopefully we can carry that momentum into tomorrow and really show that the Philippines is the pool capital of the world.”

Match One
Francisco Bustamante 11–9 Earl Strickland

Bustamante made a confident start against Strickland, opening up an early advantage before the American responded to edge ahead at 5–4. The two legends traded racks deep into the match, going toe-to-toe all the way to 9–9.

The decisive moment came in the 18th rack when a foul from Strickland handed Bustamante the opportunity to reach the hill. Django made no mistake, closing out the match in style with a composed 4–9 combination to seal the opening victory.

Bustamante said: “I really enjoyed today. It’s special to see all the legends here together under one roof. Playing Earl is always tough – it has been that way for years – and he’s still as good as ever. I think the luck was on my side today, and that made the difference.”

Strickland added: “It just wasn’t my day – Django got the rolls and played well. I can’t shoot quite like I used to, but it was great to be out there in front of the crowd and to play Django again. I’m looking forward to tomorrow and another match against Efren.”

Match Two
Efren Reyes 11–8 Ralf Souquet

Reyes mirrored his compatriot’s fast start, racing into an early lead before Souquet responded to level the score at 4–4. The Magician then found another gear, stretching ahead to 7–4 as he looked to secure a second victory for the Philippines.

The German dug deep to close the gap to 7–6, but a missed opportunity on the 9-ball proved costly. Reyes capitalised to extend his lead to 8–6, before Souquet rallied once more to draw level at 8–8. A clever safety exchange proved decisive, as Reyes regained control and surged clear to complete an emphatic home-soil double for the Filipino legends.

Souquet said: “Despite the result, I really enjoyed playing against Efren again. Both he and Django played very well today, but tomorrow Earl and I will be looking for redemption. Playing in front of such a passionate crowd here in the Philippines is always special, and it felt great to return to the same incredible atmosphere we experienced at last year’s Philippines Open.”

History continues tomorrow as Francisco Bustamante looks to take down Ralf Souquet in the first match of Day Two, before Efren Reyes clashes with Earl Strickland in what promises to be another unforgettable chapter in one of pool’s greatest rivalries.

Fans around the world can witness this historic Legends clash exclusively on WNT TV via a $30 PPV, while viewers in the Philippines can access the live PPV on the Pilipinas Live app, with primetime coverage airing on One Sports.

For the full draw and live scoring, visit www.wntlivescores.com.

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