EFREN REYES age 39 vs STRICKLAND age 33 (powerful stroke)

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

[@jamesdiviny9823]

ray carlton billiards tT

[@armengutierrez3839]

ray carlton billiard

[@oscarsoliman8277]

Æ⁸

[@allangomez5973]

Mps

[@domingsalangsang1015]

😊

[@eddiebob77]

Saw this on TV as a kid and recorded it on VHS watching ever so intensely. I repositioned all these table layouts using them as practice routines trying to somehow recreate each game and trying different ideas haha! So happy to finally watch it again on YT! Probably my favorite match of all time for nostalgic and sentimental reasons. Thanks so much for the upload!!

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

EddieBob: This would be in my top-ten favorite nostalgia feedback anecdotes. Lotta love this kind of comment. Many thanks, pal, and I know you'll equally enjoy many of these other ones that feature plenty of old days great pool:

[@eddiebob77]

@@raycarltonbilliards5798 will do!!

[@LuisGGarza-vx4zs]

What a game for Earl. I love both of these guys. They are the ying-yang of pool. Lol. Two different personalities, two legends.

[@NONAME-zw2ge]

Both are my favorite players. Thank you for uploading.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

You're very welcome, Rifcky. Besides Willie Mosconi, Efren and Earl are among my lifetime favorite tournament players to have met and watched in-person many times. Like Thorsten, Mika, and Ralf, they are all perfectionists, as are all world-class champions no matter their country of origin. *Mosconi had a beautiful, quite original definition of the cue sports: "Physics learned by trial and error."*

[@dannyorsello8668]

My two favorite players!! Love it.

[@AccordionJoe1]

The two greatest pool players ever, and both while in their prime. Efren gets the edge when it comes to innovative and never-before-seen shots.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

Very well expressed and accurate IMO, Joe. Thanks for the comment. One of pool history's paradoxes is the fact that Willie Mosconi -- a 14.1 specialist who *_was literally unbeatable_* during a reign over 15 annual 14.1 World Championships -- inarguably got himself in trouble less often than any player in the 172-year history of professional pool, and therefore was neither needful of, nor experienced at, innovative solutions to dilemmas. I was privileged to watch in-person more than 40 of his tournament and exhibition performances. A beautifully flawless virtual automaton during thousands of 150-ball runs. After one such run, a clueless spectator sitting in front of me turned to his wife and loudly said: "Why is everybody clapping so hard -- he never had a hard shot!" His more pool-savvy wife replied: "Why do you think that was?"

[@jasonsweeton8368]

That’s what a FOCUSED Strickland does, Efren is the GOAT no doubt, but Strickland is every bit as good as Reyes when he is right mentally, the best power stroke player and shot maker Ever in the game.

[@CommieKilla1977]

Earl is at par with Efrain in 9 balls tournament only but outside he’s an okay player.

[@rldabomb33]

at 9 ball Its fair to give Strickland the slight edge.. but in all around Reyes can beat anyone..

[@beapadiernos1291]

​@@rldabomb33ķkkjnann¡`€+]

[@beapadiernos1291]

​@@CommieKilla197737:53 😊W

[@jimtruscott5670]

@ jasonsweeton8368. Efren is always “ right mentally” ,the main reason he is better than Strickland.

[@albert333pool]

My favorite match of ALL TIME! I watched this a million times and every time I watched it, I always learned something new! This one's a classic! Thanks for the upload

[@rldabomb33]

in 9 ball i give the slight edge to Earl Strickland, the reason why Reyes is goat he can play any game... 8, 9, 10 ball straight pool, one pocket, even carom which i didnt even know of till now..

[@EarlStrickland5X]

I only want to play straight pool these days

[@clintonehrhardtsr122]

STRICKLAND was unstoppable in his prime , goodness he can shoot

[@williamreyes44]

Love watching these 2 go at it. My 2 favorite players!

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

This is a case of Earl being "on". His break worked throughout the entire match where he not only made a ball on the break but usually had a good shot on the lowest ball. There is no way anyone wins over Earl when the stars align like they did here.

[@albert333pool]

This is probably by far my most favorite video of all time. I learned so much just from watching this video over and over again!

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

Glad you enjoyed it and are greatly benefiting from it, Al. *

[@laurentsaurel1751]

It must be something special to beat Reyes in a real competition. Great battle between two legends.

[@remigiomagaan4550]

Reyes-Strictland games are gems. Thanks for filming them for posterity.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

You're very welcome, Remi. Glad you're enjoying. *

[@killah7832]

6:01 what a positional play shot! And a recognition of the crowd and earl. Wow! I love it when this 2 titans play! If i would choose to pattern my kill set these 2 players on top of my list.

[@billysikes1374]

The greatest 9 ball playing to EVER play, Efren's break is why he couldn't compete, Wave to the crowd Earl!!!

[@quincyhays1642]

Nothing wrong with Efren’s break. The Color of Money match in Hong Kong settled who the greatest nine ball player was is. And Efren settled who the greatest player period is too. People say, “well Earl got tiered. He got mad” Mental control is part of the game. The only time he isn’t a head case is when things go his way. He can’t deal with adversity. In todays jargon we would call him a snowflake. He even admitted Efren is the greatest.

[@jaysharp789]

When Earl gets going like that he's like a machine. That shot at 34:00 was on the level of Reyes' legendary Z shot

[@jacobdizon5872]

was an excellent shot no doubt, but the Z shot is in its own league

[@jaysharp789]

@@jacobdizon5872 The Z shot was more creative, I agree, but the difficulty of making it, especially in such a clutch situation, I think is comparable

[@ashleysilver5594]

Actually its not the same level. This was a pure z bank shot. The legendry z shot of Efren was a controlled on the cushion with spin to guide that ball along the cushion. Way more difficult.

[@EarlStrickland5X]

You are correct

[@tomnekuda3818]

If Earl could control his emotions, he could do this a lot more than he has.....best I've seen him play.

[@chrisbryant1836]

Shame he didn’t win many titles and have a long, competitive career. He could still be in the Mosconi Cup!

[@cosmyccowboy]

Then he wouldn’t be Earl

[@tomnekuda3818]

@@cosmyccowboy Haha! I guess you're correct.

[@garycrutcher1856]

Efren is the man in my book

[@anggitdwiprasetyo8431]

I was really amazed by the efren reyes I wanted to meet and play billiard with him..the best Reyes

[@miguelantonitoagregado5320]

Even as a Filipino I've always admired Earl's near-manic passion for the game. He's noticeably less volatile here (not at all really) , and acknowledges the crowd as much as he can. He shakes Efren's hand at the end, and he's just enjoying every moment. It makes me sad to see so many people hate his behavior nowadays, and some people say it started after him and Lisa separated (?). This is one of the rare videos on KZbin where Earl wins and doesn't tantrum, most probably because people prefer to see his tantrums rather than his golden shotmaking ability.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

Thanks very much for your wonderfully composed and well-thought out comments, Miguel. There are more than a few very proud and skilled pool champions in all countries whose temperament (and skills) change -- not for the better -- as they age and start to do less well in tournaments and gambling matches. And that's only natural, since they've *courageously* sustained a long career in possibly the most *precise* of all sports -- one where scant millimeters on a few critical shots make the difference between a win and a loss.

[@bertarienza4208]

Charlie B -Don’t forget the Race to 120 in Hongkong that at one point Earl was ahead by 17 points and still lost. The race to 13 and the score was 12-12 in other words a hill hill battle and Efren was in a very difficult situation with 5 balls left but Efren made a Z shot kick dropping the target ball and clean the table for victory. It was an incredible shot and sweetest victory by Efren. I would recommend to watch the video because they both played a remarkable game.

[@bgjb-r1499]

In head to head competition and most importantly, in tournaments when it mattered most, Earl got the better of Efren. I watched Earl play in a few tour matches during the late 80’s and early 90’s and he almost looked disinterested. However, the moment he entered a US 9-Ball or World 9-Ball Championship the man played like a possessed demon. Earl has tremendous respect for Efren’s game and rightfully so. I agree with the post above, Earl’s attitude and focus changed dramatically after he and his wife split. I once read that Earl dedicated much of his early success and championships to his firstbwife Lisa.

[@caohaithanh1134]

Efren is a legend, and a magician as well. I admit that Earl doesnt have so many highlights like Efren but Earl is truly the greatest of all time ! No one else has ever shot better than the Pearl. The best shooter ever

[@princekody]

efern is an all time greatest all around player in pool history and imo earl will always be known as the greatest 9 ball player.

[@joshuahaynes7128]

Firecreeper Aza most experts call earl the most talented natural shot maker of alltime easily

[@akobisdak764]

No doubt both of them are the best billiard player in the world but no one can replace efren as the magician, once in a blue moon as i say

[@greatkingkay7954]

On the cover of the Feb 96 issue of Billiards Digest is a picture of the unassuming Efren "The Magician" Reyes garbed as, what else, a magician! There is a lengthy article on this Billiards legend, so I suggest to buy your own copy. But I enjoyed it so much I thought I'd post it anyway even though somebody else might have already done so in the past. Coincidentally, a second article on The Magician appears in this month's Filipinas magazine. FYI, Barnes & Nobles carries Filipinas magazine. HIS OWN MAGICAL TOUR by Mike Panozzo One can almost imagine the thoughts that ran through tournament director Scott Smith's mind at Red's 9-Ball Open in Houston nearly 11 years ago when a skinny foreigner with a scraggly mustache and a shortage of teeth penciled in the name "Cesar Morales" and plunked down his entry fee. "I thought he was just a local kid, from the 'Little Mexico' area of Houston," remembers Smith. Few people paid much attention when the quiet invader bought himself in the pre-tournament calcutta for $75, and even fewer bothered to wander back to the table in the most obscure corner of the massive night club/poolroom to witness his opening-round match -- Morales vs Johnson. With his cover as "Cesar Morales" long since blown, Philippine supercueman and 1995 Billiards Digest Player of the Year Efren Reyes, sipping from a Heineken in the lounge of the Adam's Mark hotel in Winston-Salem, N.C., breaks into one of his squinty-eyed, tight-lipped smiles. Ha laughed at the recollection, barely able to speak. "They put me on a table in the back of the room," he says, laughing again. "They think I can't play!" Mr. Johnson, holding the doughnet end of a 10-0 score, probably could have warned a few players about the mysterious Morales. He chose instead to depart the premises, not even bothering to show up for his loser's bracket match. Next up in Houston was in Oklahoma's David Matlock-then considered one of the top five bar-table players in the country. Unimpressed, Reyes (Morales) dismantled the powerful lefthander, 10-2. By the fourth round of the 96-player tournament, the buzz was starting to build. Reyes' exaggerated, roller-coaster stroke, merciless safeties, accurate jump shots and mind-bending kick shots (which earned him his long-standing moniker, "The Magician") had sweators and pros alike confounded. Who was this Morales? Where did he come from? And how did he learn all those wild shots? Intrigue gave way to fervent nationalism as Reyes approached the title match against road warrior-turned tournament-player Wade Crane (who also entered the tournament under an alias: Billy Johnson). Nearly 1,000 Texans jammed the bi-level club, and chants of "U.S.A., U.S.A." echoed through the arena. Reyes rode in with his own posse, about 20 strong, who added to the circus atmosphere with chants of "Manila, Manila," and the then-popular "Where's da beef?" after each Reyes conquest. The only hitch in Reyes' stroke came after the final match, when he signed a few autographs "Efren Reyes," revealing his true identity. The significance of this recollection is not so much the fact that then- 29-year-old Reyes won the $10,500 top prize in his first U.S. pro tournament. The event's importance is measured by the impact Reyes' appearance and success had on the men's professional 9-ball scene. Never before had the crop of American 9-ballers seen the likes of Reyes. So astonished and offended was then-Texan Earl Strickland (who finished third, just missing a shot at Reyes), that he challenged all players- himself included-to turn up their games a notch to protect America's dominance in pocket billiards. But as suddenly as Manila's mystery man had arrived, he disappeared, returning to his native Philippines. For the next four months Reyes was the topic of virtually every pool-related discussion. His much- anticipated midsummer return to the U.S. spurred a mini tournament revival. Reyes was the rage of the American pool scene. Crowds were always largest whenever Reyes played. And he rarely disappointed. After years of playing nothing but rotation money matches in the Philippines, Reyes quickly adapted to the rigors of tournament 9-ball. He posted several top-10 finished, and a few memorable performances. Perhaps the most revealing display of Reyes' immense talent came during a 10-day stretch in August of that year. Reyes had severed relations with his first backer, Philippine businessman Nonie Ortega, and was staying in Chicago with insurance broker Phillip Estrada, whom he had befriended in Houston. After finishing seventh at the Busch 9-Ball Open pro tour event in nearby Moline, Ill., Reyes returned to Chicago and decided to enter the Billiards Digest 3-Cushion Championship. Forget that Reyes had never competed in a carom tournament. The '85 three-cushio classic attracted 42 players from 13 countries, including 19-time world champion Raymond Ceulemans of Belgium, future world champ Torbjorn Blomdahl of Sweden, France's Richard Bitalis and Argentina's Luis Doyharzabal. Undeterred, Reyes strolled into Chris's Billiards, limbered up with a few racks of rotation, averaged .836 and posted a creditable 4-2 record in the preliminary round-barely missing a spot in the 12-man final-round bracket. Reyes did, however, qualify for the 12-man consolation bracket. There, he caromed his way to a Ceulemans-like 1.30 average (including a 40-19 win in just 20 innings), and won the $1,000 top prize. And just how did the versatile Filipino celebrate? He raced across town to enter a rapid-fire, one-day 9-ball tournament that featured some of the Midwest's top talent (including Jeff Carter, Dallas West, Jimmy Mataya and Mark Wilson). Naturally, Reyes rolled unbeated through the 49-player field to earn an additional $1,300! Reyes went on to win two more major 9-ball titles in '85, posted the year's highest winning percentage (.785) and tallied the most .900- plus AccuStats Total Performance Average matches (20). More than anything, Reyes singlehandedly jump-started a professional sports tour. Any tournament he entered was more exciting. And players became students. An inordinately large number of fellow pros could usually be seen watching Reyes' matches, analyzing his patters and studying his kicking, jumping and safety skills. "His style was so drastically different," remembers two-time Billiards Digest Player of the Year Nick Varner. "He attracted a lot of attention. And he had a big impact on the way we played the game. He created an awareness about kicking. We generally tried to hide. He made the shots. He taught us that just because you're snookered, you don't have to lose the game." "When he first came here, I used to laugh when he kicked at balls," adds recently retired Mike Sigel, who was the game's dominant player in the mid-'80s and the player Reyes admits was the American he most enjoyed playing. "I thought no one could do that accurately and consistently. We just guessed when he kicked. But he knew what he was doing. And I never realized how important that was until I studied his game. "He was also pretty intimidating then," Sigel continues, figuratively no doubt, given Reyes' 5-foot-7, 135-pound frame. "You couldn't communicate with him, because he didn't speak English then. And his stroke and style were so different that they scared opponents. I know I wasn't crazy about playing him. And I think he beat me the last four or five times we played." Between visa limitations and homesickness, Reyes played in the U.S. only sporadically the next two years - usually playing from February to June, then returning to his home in Angeles City to be with his parents and his two children. In '86 he played in just four tournaments, winning his fourth pro title at the Sands Regency Open. In '87, Reyes again played in the U.S. for only six months. Still, he made the final four in three of the year-s four biggest tournaments and closed the year ranked fifth by the Men's Professional Billiards Association. Like clockwork, Reyes was back again to start the '88 calendar year. And in May he grabbed his fifth major 9-ball title, topping Sigel in the final of the McDermott Masters in Troy, Mich. But posing for post-event trophy photos in the Troy Hilton ballroom, tuxedo-clad and champion's check in hand, Reyes could not possibly have anticipated the winless streak on which he was about to embark. Over the next six years, Reyes would reach the championship match in no fewer than eight major 9-ball tournaments. Each time, Reyes would leave town a disheartened runner-up. (Granted, from '88-'92 he entered five or fewer tournaments per year.) Twice ('93 and '94) his final-match losses came at the PBT World 9-Ball Championship - the title Reyes covets more than any other. Another was in the largest, riches professional tournament in the history of the sport, the '92 International 9-Ball Classic (435 players $40,000 top prize). His record in television matches: a dismal 4-8. Hardly a record befitting a player nonetheless considered by many to be the best pool player in the world. "Efren always seemed to have trouble with the 9-ball break," says Varner. "It was inconsistent. Everyone knows that to wn one of the big 9-ball tournaments, your break has to be going well. Efren would get to the last or three matches, and then the inconsistency would catch up to him. When you reach the finals and you're playing Johnny Archer or Earl Strickland, your break better be working or you're going to be in for a long match. "Then, after it happened a few times, the psychological problem of trying to get the monkey off your back seemed to affect him." Reyes agrees. "For a long time, I am not lucky in the final," he says, in vastly improved but still somewhat broken English. "I don't make balls on the break. But mostly, there was always been a lot of pressure for me to win. Everyone in the Phi

[@landorsavage]

great kingkay I hope to get a copy of this👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@stevieadams781]

Sport has given us - the fans - so many wonderful rivalries and so much joy. Ali vs Frazier, Bristow vs Lowe, Real Madrid vs Barcelona and Efren Reyes vs Earl Strickland! Thank you for uploading this great match.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

A superb comment, Stevie! In a single sentence you've captured the very essence, intent, and *_enduring satisfaction_* of all competitive sports everywhere.

[@oskaveli662]

Federer v Nadal, Brady v Manning

[@gaylordsigauke5235]

Macheso vs Dhewa Zhakata vs Chimbetu Tuku vs Mapfumo

[@frankdalla]

This was Earls most glorious performance. Abd he did it with style. One mistake in a match like this is all ot takes to lose it all. Efrin knows there are always more contests and he will on average, beat almost an y one, i think its great to see two masters of the game.

[@matthewmcclain1316]

IMO these guys are way too good to do a "winner breaks" format. It should be alternating breaks. That would make the competition way more fair and enjoyable to watch.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

Matthew: Winner breaking; alternate breaking; trailing player breaking; have been, are always will be, the dilemma for tournament producers when they're formatting a production . The fairness of _alternate breaking, the come-from-behind appeal of _trailer-breaks_ the ticket-sales appeal of watching a totally in-stroke champion running six-seven- eight -- even nine or ten racks made possible by a _winner-breaks_ format . . . these are always tough decisions for promoters and producers and TV directors.

[@matthewmcclain1316]

@@raycarltonbilliards5798 yeah, I thought about it after I made that comment and it does make some sense. I still stand by my comment though. I'll always think alternate break is better. Going back and forth with score always close would be much more entertaining to me. Winner breaking makes sense up until the final couple tables. That way the best players always make it to the finals. I totally get it.

[@bnhamilton]

There is a place for alternating break tournaments, but they should always be considered variations of the real game. So much of the excitement of nine ball comes from watching players make long runs and lucky shots, it would be a shame to rob players of the most popular format for nineball.

[@ismaelsuarez326]

Dam,he played FREAKING great, Earl

[@louiefernandez3835]

GOAT::: Efren Reyes!!!

[@Rokpaducah]

Thank you for the upload! Earl was incredible in his prime. Arguably the best of all time.

[@firecreeperaza7518]

One of the best in America you mean ;)

[@Magyar19]

Pretty sure he/she meant the world, and rightfully so

[@luislombardi9658]

Magyar19 efren's better

[@joshuahaynes7128]

Hipret no hes not .. when earl was at this gear in this video he was stronger than efren

[@luislombardi9658]

Joshua Haynes yeah stronger but i am talking about playing pool, efren is/was a better pool player

[@jonnycarroll6676]

Greatness showed itself, prime Pearl

[@RichardsWorld]

If Earl can concentrate on pool and not the crowd he is probably the most amazing pool player ever. Unfortunately he can rarely ignore the crowd.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

Very accurate hypothetical, Richard. Like Efren, Earl is one of the most naturally talented players ever, and I've seen them all in person over the years. His accuracy on "wing" shots (table-length warm-ups cutting rapidly moving balls he throws up-table (or down-table) is un-Earthly to behold.

[@keenanmyles6873]

Yeah hardloser Earl

[@DuiMonteroTV96]

He was...and he is...

[@Polarcupcheck]

Awesome match. This guys are like a perfect contrast.

[@jeraldketchum5579]

Strickland made his shots. Efferen didn’t have much opportunity. He didn’t get many shots to make. He did miss a few that he should have made. He also pulled off a few that not many can do! Efferen is the Goat

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

Thanks for your accurate, balanced, and *_well-reasoned comment_* Jerald. You know your pool indeed. ~ Ray C.

[@Chrisadizzle]

Earl’s shirt is the quintessential 90s vibe. Good times!

[@MobilSuzukiKalbar]

When the score is 5-2, efren face is very upset. But both of them are the most greatest best legend in the planet I love both of them, they give me motivation to play pool. Thanks for the upload.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

Thanks for the very balanced comment, John. They're both internationally recognized as legends and both are inductees into the Billiards Hall of Fame which tells you highly regarded they are by their professional peers.

[@jakepooltv]

This 2 players always match at that time in their age before.. Both of the two got good performance.

[@EarlStrickland5X]

Agreed

[@madmarvdesigns]

Wow Earl Strickland in his prime could beat anyone!

[@johnpender358]

Earl is my favorite pool player.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

You'll enjoy reading this info about Earl's accomplishments: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_Strickland

[@johnpender358]

@@raycarltonbilliards5798 Great accomplishments. Earl was one of the best .

[@ChillOkayy]

I can't believe I seen the Pearl Clap for Reyes. To be young

[@DatAnydex]

Of course alternate breaks grant a more ‘balanced’ match. At this younger age in this particular match, one can tell Efren didn’t seem at ease as in later years, but with the Pearl on a roll, opportunity just never presented itself. It was a bit surprising watching Efren cutting that 5 ball so poorly, and if he would’ve made that (as he normally does) ... it could’ve been a different story. Nevertheless, the Pearl will always be known as one of the greatest 9 ball players ever.

[@MrElPoderozo1]

They were great then and they still great now!👍👍

[@miamiwax5504]

I like the energy of the crowd. Pool is sorely missing this.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

That kind of partisan energy enjoyably prevails at most Mosconi Cup events, but as you say, it's uncommon elsewhere. The crowd's enthusiasm in this video in near-soccerlike, (thankfully, minus soccer fans' confrontationally-hurled beverages).

[@許紹宗]

ray carlton billiards .

[@geemekittykat2297]

WOW! What a great upload. I love at 18:30 on the bottom it says "For score updates" call the 1-900- number, lol. This video is back when I first got into and good at the game. There was a love for the game back then when TV first started airing matches, and the fans were in it, cheering, it was better times for pool for sure.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

Glad you're enjoying it, Matthew and that it evokes those lively times for you. Click on the colored balls on the left (my logo) to see plenty more from former events, available for viewing..

[@mef12727]

Matthew Lewellen what year was this? 98??

[@geemekittykat2297]

mef12727 I believe it was 25 yrs ago if I did the math right. 1993

[@teejay6063]

To beat Efren by 7 racks is incredible, seeing how the magician is the greatest, ever, in history.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

TJ: Every performer who is recognized as the greatest ever, has an earlier point where they weren't yet the greatest. Simple logic I think you'd agree.

[@jlobiafra]

Beat him nine games in a row lol

[@jlobiafra]

@@ChikoTheOGDog parica breat efren

[@manchester8143]

My two greatest of all time

[@edf4205]

Earl strickland is very sportsman in the planet

[@scottboyne8305]

That's the Earl we all know and love

[@EarlStrickland5X]

Love to see my fans! Thank you.

This is PRIME Earl the pearl here.. Love Reyes and Earl equally. Both very different players, but both dominant. Gotta love the contrast here. Such opposites. The loud and arrogant Earl vs the calm, somber, and humble Reyes. Really quite amazing to watch.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

Glad you're enjoying it, Mike. Great champions come in all body sizes and vastly different personalities, as do all of us who love the sport. The one commonality we all share is being very comfortable noticing, learning, and handling the smallest of *details.*

+ray carlton billiards.. yeah, it is really a shame to see so many comments on all pool vids that criticize these amazing players. I dont think you have to like them personally, but you absolutely have to respect their ability. I really see some disgusting comments about Earl, which really saddens me. I have met Earl on many occasions over the years. He has always had his personality, which is what makes him who he is. He is a character. I actually think he may be on the spectrum. He has never admitted this, but his anti-social mannerisms and behavior are very reminiscent of my son with Asperger's. So it may not all be his fault. Believe it or not, here locally, many of the best pool players are autistic. Maybe this is due to their ability to hyper-focus and repetitive nature? I am not sure, but it is also the same in my bowling leagues. There are many incredibly talented bowlers with Autism. I am in the process of trying to get my 5 year old son away from those dang video games and get him shooting on the table and bowling at the alley! lol

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

Mosconi is a prime example of "dislike personally but respect the ability." True of many great performing and visual artists. Regarding adverse comments -- be understanding and kind whenever possible by simply recalling from 2,000 years ago "They know not what they do." Regarding Asperger's, many parents I've read about have worked transformative miracles in their child via guided immersion into either musical instruments or painting/sculpture. The creative engagement productively absorbs and fascinates the children. Their talent is often boundless, and the daily sense of accomplishment becomes richly rewarding and fulfilling, often lasting for a lifetime. I'd urge you to look into this with your son. And you can still play pool and bowl together for important quality father/son time together.

[@tacutn6]

Mike Harkins by no means taking nothing from earl... His game speaks for itself. I would love for either to give me pointers. Both of there names are known around the word.... I relate more to efren because he's laid back. Legends

+Torrey Childs.. hey man, different strokes for different folks.. Everyone has a favorite.

[@rldabomb33]

scary part is Efren was his best in his 20s.. too bad we didnt get to see him in his 20s on TV.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

Efren's jest that his teenage/early-twenties years were his prime was an illustration of his characteristic, and humble self-effacing modesty . His teenage years ended in 1974. His 35 years of titles and achievements (listed below) as a professional between 1985 and and 2019, vividly convey that he has had the longest period of *_peak playing ability_* of any player in the history of pool and *we did get to see him at his best* for many decades. _* READ ALL THE EVIDENCE BELOW*_ ------------------------------------------------------ 2019 "6th Annual Junior Norris Memorial Shootout 9-Ball Champion" 2018 1st Asian Culture Day Lifetime Achievement Award (Las Vegas, Nevada, USA) 2018 Taiwan Pool Classic (Team Philippines) 3rd 2018 The Break Room 8-Ball Classic 2016 Accu-Stats Make-It-Happen One-Pocket Invitational 2015 Accu-Stats Make-It-Happen One-Pocket Invitational 2014 MP Cup Gensan International Open 10-Ball 2014 Smokin' Aces One-Pocket Shootout 2014 Derby City Classic One-Pocket 2012 Chuck Markulis Memorial One-Pocket Division 2011 World Mixed Doubles Classic (with Rubilen Amit) 2011 US Open One Pocket Championship 2010 Spanish Open 2010 2010 Predator International Ten-Ball Championship 2010 Derby City Classic Master of the Table 2010 Derby City Classic Fatboy Challenge 10-Ball 2010 Derby City Classic Nine-Ball 2010 Asia vs. Europe Challenge Match 2009 World Mixed Doubles Classic (with Rubilen Amit) 2009 Galveston World Classic One Pocket 2009 World Cup of Pool (with Francisco Bustamante) 2007 Derby City Classic Master of the Table 2007 Derby City Classic One-Pocket 2006 San Miguel Asian 9-Ball Tour (Indonesia Leg) 2006 IPT World Open Eight-ball Championship 2006 World Cup of Pool (with Francisco Bustamante) 2006 San Miguel Asian 9-Ball Tour (Vietnam Leg) 2006 Derby City Classic One-Pocket 2005 IPT King of the Hill Eight-Ball Shootout 2005 San Miguel Asian 9-Ball Tour (Indonesia Leg) 2005 All Japan Championship 2005 Derby City Classic Master of the Table 2005 Derby City Classic Nine-Ball 2005 Derby City Classic One-Pocket 2004 WPA World Eight-ball Championship 2004 On Cue 3: Intercontinental Conquest 2004 San Miguel Asian 9-Ball Tour (Singapore Leg) 2004 San Miguel Asian 9-Ball Tour (Vietnam Leg) 2004 San Miguel Asian 9-Ball Tour (Taiwan Leg) 2004 Derby City Classic Master of the Table 2004 Derby City Classic One-Pocket 2003 Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame 2003 World Classic Billiards Tournament 2003 Las Vegas Nine-Ball Open 2003 San Miguel Asian 9-Ball Tour (Manila Leg) 2003 Mid-Atlantic Nine-Ball Championship 2003 All Japan Championship 2002 Asian Games Eight-Ball singles 2002 World Pool League 2002 Cafe Puro Challenge of the Masters 2002 Shooters Labor Day Weekend Open Nine-Ball 2002 International Challenge of Champions 2001 World Pool League 2001 Tokyo Open 9-Ball 2001 US Masters Nine-Ball 2001 International Billiard Tournament 2001 Accu-Stats Eight-Ball Invitational 2001 The Color of Money II (vs. Earl Strickland) 2000 U.S. Open One-Pocket Championship 2000 PBT World Eight-Ball Championship 2000 Camel Pro Eight-Ball Championship 2000 Pennsylvania State Nine-Ball Championship 2000 USA Billiards Challenger Event 2 1999 ESPN Ultimate Nine-Ball Challenge 1999 ESPN Ultimate Shootout 1999 Sands Regency Open 29 Nine-Ball Championship 1999 World Professional Pool Championship 1999 Derby City Classic Master of the Table 1999 Derby City Classic One-Pocket 1998 World Eight-Ball Championship 1998 Camel South Jersey Ten-Ball Open 1997 PCA Shooters Challenge 1997 PCA Treasure Island Resort Event 1996 The Color of Money (vs. Earl Strickland) 1996 PBT World Eight-Ball Championship 1996 PBT Legends of Nine-Ball Championship 1996 Camel World Nine-Ball Championship 1996 PBT Western Open 1996 PBT Florida Flare Up III 1995 Sands Regency Open 21 Nine-Ball Championship 1995 PBT World Eight-Ball Championship 1995 Pro Tour Nine-Ball Championship 1995 Maine 14.1 Event 1995 Bicycle Club VII 1994 U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships 1994 PBT Bicycle Club Invitational 1992 International Nine-Ball Classic 1992 World Nine-Ball Open (Tokyo) 1990 World Cup (Taipei) 1988 PBA McDermott Masters Nine-Ball 1986 Sands Regency Nine-Ball Championship 1985 Sands Regency Nine-Ball Championship 1985 Red's Nine-Ball Open 1985 Tar Heel Open 1985 Willard's Open 1985 Chicago Billiards Open --------------------------------------------------------------------------- *_He is the greatest all-around player in the 173-year history of professional pool , in my opinion_*

[@rldabomb33]

but he did say his best years was in his 20s and they werent any tournaments in Philippines at that time. he also said no one could beat him and he never lost and nobody wanted to play him he had to give them a 20 point handicap and he still didnt lose. thats why he went to the US.. Have you seen that interview? its a cnn philippines interview and in Tagalog... if we did see prime it was for a short time 1985-1990...

[@gavinhadley7672]

..don’t miss the $100K Color of Money video where Efren was down 17 games and came back to win 120 to 117. By Earl’s own admission in the latter years Efren was the better player...there’s a video on KZbin where Earl states that. The consensus among nearly all the pros is that Efren is the greatest ever...better than all of the masters! Besides being the GOAT he is and has always been a class act unlike Earl the “pearl”..

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

*Earl's very gracious and sincere 3 minutes of praise of Efren* at one of the _many_ "retirement" events for Efren: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6uwmJxrocaJb80 *(Efren never did retire; still going strong anywhere in the world when the money amount appeals to him.)*

[@やまかわ-o6u]

Strickland’s condition was good. His bank shot went well.

[@xjulianxzypher1]

breaks my heart seeing efren lose this my first time actually seeing him lose....

[@mclaymc10]

😂

[@ficheye00]

Oh, believe me, he made Strickland pay many times after that.

[@jlobiafra]

Efren lost a lot in the late 80's early 90's. There are videos of mcreedy, Varner, archer, strickland, davenport, all beating him.

[@frederikmarohn6358]

33:47 Efren gets Efrened

[@magnetic_free_energy]

This was not intentional.

[@CTRS777]

These battles are legendary. Pool deathmatches. Who matches up like these demons?

[@jhunesenpai6812]

tnx sa video boss

[@rldabomb33]

wow i finally found a video on youtube where Strickland beat Reyes...

[@EarlStrickland5X]

Funny.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

*_The heads-up stat (win/loss record against each other) is remarkably even-up_* over the four decades they squared off against each other in *many hundreds of un-videotaped tournament matches* and also in special high-stakes, one-on-one, very profitable events promoters staged for them in the US and internationally over the years. Efren probably has had a tiny bit more of the wins, due to his Zen-like, even disposition and pure tenacity over the long haul during problem situations and when rolls go against him. A few diehard fans do keep meticulous records on both of these champions and may chime in with accurately-detailed stats.

[@javieracosta7219]

Uno de los pocos, reyes lo tenia de hijo.

[@purenotcatholic3114]

the problem with this format is the player who won will be the one to break, which is earls case he's good in dealing with the break, no chance for efren to come back here. thats why they change the format.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

Winner breaking; alternate breaking; trailing player breaking; have been, are always will be, the dilemma for tournament producers when they're formatting a production. The fairness of alternate breaking, the come-from-behind appeal of trailer-breaks, the *ticket-sales appeal* of watching a totally in-stroke champion running six-seven- eight -- even nine or ten racks made possible by a winner-breaks format . . . these are always tough decisions for promoters and producers and TV directors.

[@RichardsWorld]

Efren can hold his own. But this just wasn't the day for Efren. What they need is the longer matches. Such as the match when they had to win 25 games.

[@janelincoln7635]

the problem is not winner or losers break, it´s the break itself. They just have to put the balls on different spots, and voila, it´s harder to control. So you need to smash them, to get a chance to make a ball. Nine ball is super easy, if the corner ball is falling down 95%.

[@bobbybennett266]

I love how tickled Buddy was when that guy said master blaster lol

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

Nice comment about him. Buddy has a wonderfully hearty laugh and charming speaking voice.

[@christopherhoye8705]

Thank you Ray...

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

You're quite welcome, Chris. Glad you"re enjoying it.

[@edhartgrove7552]

Thank you for posting this. It's one I hadn't seen before.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

Glad to hear that feedback, Edward. It's always gratifying to know that you're reaching folks who hadn't seen a given match or welcome a chance to re-view one they once enjoyed in-person in the past. In some cases, I hear from a lot of the up-in-years pros who say: "Was I ever really that young and that good." I love it. Nice connecting with people about our favorite sport.

[@niksterz0722]

Efren is the king of pool!

[@napoleonasiong7596]

Partida pa yan kalawiti pa gamit ahhaaht💪💪💪

[@sawmillsam7156]

I never played much 8 ball, 1 pocket or straight pool. If I had, I would say Efren was my favorite player. But I have always considered 9 ball to be the best game, played on a 9 foot table.... so Earl is the best player in my world!

[@catyluna7636]

Efrén el mejor

[@EuphGabe]

Efren's breaks were powerful back in the day. Truly the GOAT

[@mattdillon8262]

WHY do you say that, he was only ranked 10th in the world at this match?

[@toscodav]

Efren was never known as a good breaker of the ball. Give Efren 100 games and he will beat anyone in the world. He is like Fats in the Hustler, he will eventually wear you down but Strickland in a normal tournament format is the definitive GOAT.

[@quattro4468]

Matt Dillon reading comprehension fail.

[@BandGeek4Life321]

Thank you for the upload Ray.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

You're very welcome, lad; glad you're enjoying it and likely -- beyond just the sheer entertainment -- absorbing helpful playing nuances and tips. I like your name. Those kind of students are the future generations of our sport.

[@BandGeek4Life321]

I appreciate the encouragement. To date, I have been playing for about a year. I believe one of the first pool videos I have ever watched on youtube was an upload of yours- Mike Siegel vs Efren Reyes, 8 ball $100,000 . If you would like to follow my progress, I am periodically posting videos on my channel to track my progress in this game.

[@bradr2142]

Now I'll go find a yt where efern wins. His turn.

[@Gubalicious]

It's actually harder to find a match where he loses

[@poolfool31021]

Watch the challenge match race to 120 in Hong Kong. Its 5 parts

[@joshuasuggs2379]

“ A ball was touched a foul was called”

[@RichardWhiting-xq3wu]

I'm not in favor of winner ALWAYS breaks. When one guy is playing as good as Strickland was in this match, the other guy is at a major disadvantage.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

We all figured that out the first time someone way better than us cleaned our clock in a local 9-ball tournament. After that happens, you either quit playing pool -- or you now have a reason to obsessively have more- structured solo practice sessions and eventually *YOU* become the one cleaning clocks regularly.

[@mikewest712]

I love winner break format. Just like baseball, if you score you get to keep going until you can't. Then the other guy gets a chance.

[@jlobiafra]

It's the only game that one participant can possibly not get a chance to compete

[@jvask33zie]

I'm for it but they should increase the number of wins needed. Race to 9 is like asking Steph Curry to shoot 20 3s without missing.

[@anythingforyou8607]

Yes....I think that is why, for 9-ball game....Alternate break was introduced.

[@n1mogator]

The Best!!!

[@sampleowner6677]

Its funny to see them so young with good hair.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

*As we all eventually realize, it's highly probable that our grandchildren (and their children) will someday smile and say exactly the same thing when seeing youthful photos of us.*

[@sampleowner6677]

@@raycarltonbilliards5798 I'm 72 years old so I'm sure they are saying the same thing about me when they look at old pictures. I had more of it back then.

[@147denys]

Poor Efren lol. Earl was on fire. And he was getting all the rolls.

[@jaimecalle6432]

What a player Strickland he deserves a big 10+ .

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

A supremely talented player. One of the all-time best Hall of Fame players.

[@OP-oj9od]

Earl in full squirrel mode.

[@jlobiafra]

Earl the squirrel

[@glenrybacek9088]

Great upload. Da Pearl....

[@quattro4468]

Glen Rybacek the autistic squirrel.

[@gigiterra9193]

What a barn burner!!!! Real pool!

[@nickp4793]

Thanks for the upload. What year was this? Is the table an early Diamond or a Gabriels?

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

It was 1994 Nick, and the table was a very early Diamond 9-footer circa 1992 at a time when Oak finish was the only option. I had that exact model in my East Coast basement rec room. As you saw, the pockets played tough, but not due to the 4 1/2" pro-spec corner sizes. After some further research and testing a few years later, *Diamond re-engineered the mouth-throat angles and shelf depth* on all future tables. *Only a few degrees of change, but the corner pockets immediately went from extremely tough to -- not easy -- but very fair and reliable*. As Earl beautifully put it (after the changes): "Diamond tables tell the truth on every shot."

[@nickp4793]

@@raycarltonbilliards5798 Thanks Ray. The first time I played on a Diamond was in a new room in South Jersey in 1998 or so. It didn't last long, unfortunately. The owner regularly gambled all the rent away in a backroom card game;) I take it this match was not a WPA WC? I checked the WPA winner's list, and they have a Japanese player Okumura for 1994. But in the broadcast of this match they said Earl won twice before, which of course is 90 and 91 on the WPA site. Was this when the Mackey split was going on? Do you know who was putting on this event, and why it was not WPA recognized? Thanks.

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

The event was put on by the PBTA -- Professional Billiards Tour Association -- whose events required that a player belong to the PBTA. Mostly US players, but it approved international ones also. No affiliation with the WPA. As cited, Earl won the cited PBTA title for the 3rd time in this one. Read causes of the PBTA demise: www.tampabay.com/archive/1998/06/08/pro-billiards-tour-fights-to-stay-alive/ *The tour was a very commendable and well-intentioned effort IMO*

[@kartoleksonosomad]

Salam bata reyes tetap idolaku mantappp

[@alejandroagua5813]

Prime Earl vs Prime Efren. When Earl is in the zone and mentally focus, even the great Efren can only sit and watch.

[@princekody]

efren played most of his prime years in philippines before efren even came to america.

[@firecreeperaza7518]

At least Efren remains calm and keep his composure when losing. How bout the great pearl? I believe he used to nag and trash talk when losing ;) I’ve been watching pool competitions in america from early 90’s, just so you know.

[@reix25]

Color of money

[@akobisdak764]

Being humble and sportsmanship is the most important ingredient to become the world's best billiard player

[@jonnycarroll6676]

Greatness showed itself , prime Pearl.

[@MrTataLester]

How many times did Efren shoot using his left hand?

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

As usual, a higher percentage of times than most players. The highest compliment you can pay to such ambidexterity is that he looks the same with either hand. Practicing that regularly gives you a great advantage in tricky situations no matter how tall or short you may be. Your rhythm and pace doesn't get interrupted reaching for, and fussing with, the bridge ("rest").

[@MrTataLester]

ray carlton billiards there another top player who does this?

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

Mike Sigel plays excellently with both hands, so does Ronnie O'Sullivan. Also Buddy Hall; Keith McCready; CJ Wiley; Reid Pierce; Steve Mizerak (deceased); Willie Mosconi (deceased). Countless road players win high stakes with either hand -- ambidexterity is a virtual job requirement for them. Internationally, many top players play at major-tournament-level with either hand.

[@Davism38]

Scott Smith. Legend

[@RichardsWorld]

Earl was gracious enough to clap when Efren won a game, but Efren didn't return the favor.

[@lo0ksik]

LOL , did you seen the video of Earl saing Efren is the best ?

[@Mr21Franz]

Awesome

[@ficheye00]

Amazing game. But... Efren paid Earl back many times after that, especially at the 100,000 dollar race to 120.

[@wellshodgarage2752]

Subbed awesome vids. Interesting look back at American pride in earl. Seems like effren took time to grow on the US people. Both are great I see earl as the straight shooter and Reyes can really get out of sticky situations that earl avoids. Plus earl = nascar fan and plays with the same speed as a driver

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

Perfectly accurate, fair, and balanced comment, Joshua. Glad you're enjoying the vids.

[@alexgutierrez2899]

Los mejores del mundo

[@vebnew]

EFREN REYES and STRICKLAND poetry

[@ericz8086]

What an active crowd

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

It was fabulous, Eric. I was there for this event. Couple excellent reasons for that activity level: (a) many spectators were star-struck amateur team entries in the adjacent simultaneously-held US barbox tourney, (b) Filipinos working all over the US southwest traveled to the casino to watch Efren (c) for months ESPN widely promoted (to many countries) this historic first LIVE global telecast of a world-title pocket billiards championship and (d) most important -- in advance of the live pool action and off-camera, *_producers' reps bi-lingually amped up the crowds spectating each match_* Nowadays, the bar for hyped-up crowds is now exceeded in most years by every Mosconi Cup audience with soccer fan-like vociferous, *near-rowdy* animation.

[@ericz8086]

@@raycarltonbilliards5798 that's amazing. Thanks for sharing

[@ucnhtmenow1]

So people think because Earl won he's better than Reyes? People got a lot to learn. I've been beating the guy who taught me how to play pool, does that mean I'm better than him. Everyone had their good and bad days. Some days I can't make a shot to save my life and other days I run the table..

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

They're both Hall of Famers. Efren is world-famous, Earl almost so, but not quite as much in many countries. Efren's lifelong calm, humble demeanor (and supernatural skills) sets him radically apart from almost all other present and past world champions in pool history.

[@brockt9762]

ucnhtmenow1 I think he’s a better 9 ball player based on his 5 us open titles and 3 world titles

[@DuiMonteroTV96]

Earl beat Efren many times..., and Efren too. They both are highes level in pool. Each different style. No one can said wich one better..., because we are not in that level.

[@felipecapellan6248]

Esa fue la única ves k el le ganó al mago después de hay fue pura lucha lo ke cojio

[@chrisk2673]

Reyes with hair!!!

[@andresbarrera7812]

Back In the day they used to spin the rock now a days they barely move the cue ball

[@simp777]

dominant earl wow

[@roynewman3430]

PRIME EARL BEATS ANYBODY......WHY YOU DO THAT EARL??

[@martinreyvillayag2713]

prime efren beat the universe😁😁😁

[@tommodeski8637]

Earl had the sledgehammer break he was the goat

[@ugaugauga488]

In 9-ball yes, not in other games.

[@billysikes1374]

The Pearl!!!

[@ugaugauga488]

Prime Earl lost to people.

[@majnaawah2344]

Hair cut of Strickland is awesome

[@darrenjpeters]

Looks like his mum did it with a bowl....

[@jann326]

That 4 to 5 cue ball control homaygad

[@rickmasterson1269]

Mabuhay

[@terlingua100]

What year was this?

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

Steve: It was '94. Earl turned 60 three months ago. Hard to believe isn't it? Still competing when the event or challenge appeals to him. He's also widely sought- after for his peerless on-mic commentating acuity. Spots every problem instantly, and lays out the several logical solutions.

[@terlingua100]

@@raycarltonbilliards5798 I am 67 been an avid pool player since the mid-to-late 70s. Grew up with St Louis Louis, Mike Massey, buddy hall, Nick Varner Etc

[@raycarltonbilliards5798]

Get a copy of this, it's getting great reviews. You'll love it and will know many of the names and events mentioned within. Amazingly talented player was Louie: www.amazon.com/Have-Pool-Cue-Will-Travel/dp/0578699478/ref=asc_df_0578699478/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459515754640&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14584096167280750085&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030196&hvtargid=pla-933421810777&psc=1

[@TraumaER]

So if you win a match, you keep breaking and hitting until you miss? That's not fair!

[@thailandtreats4816]

TraumaER who cares what u think! That's the rules.

[@LaCajunWash]

Dude , have you ever played at a bar.... winner always breaks

[@Zombies8MyPizza]

You win a match by winning a certain amount of games... but you break in the next game if you win the previous game in many tournaments, yes. Nothing unfair about it, adds to the drama of the match and a player who comes to the table 5 games behind can very much catch back up with 5 break & runs of their own.

[@LaCajunWash]

I couldn't see the physical error made by Efren when they gave him a foul. Did he touch the eight ball or something?

[@thailandtreats4816]

Chris he didn't hit a rail after ball contact!

[@LaCajunWash]

Oh!

[@toscodav]

Even the announcer didn't know either. He thought efren made illegal contact with another ball.