The stage is set for an epic showdown as the second edition of the Reyes Cup draws near. With the prestigious trophy on the line, Team Asia is determined to defend its crown on home soil, while a formidable Team Rest of the World looks to seize the title and end Asia’s reign.
Both teams are brimming with confidence ahead of the highly anticipated second edition of the Reyes Cup — an elite international team billiards event named after Filipino legend Efren “Bata” Reyes.
Filipino icon Francisco “Django” Bustamante returns as captain of Team Asia, while former U.S. Pool Champion Jeremy Jones leads the charge for Team Rest of the World. The two legends came face-to-face during the official press conference held Wednesday, along with their stacked rosters.
“Siyempre itong Team Asia against the Rest of the World, 50-50 ito eh. Pagandahan na lang sila ng tira. Pero ang kalamangan natin, dito gagawin sa ating bansa. So siyempre ‘yung mga fans natin susuportahan ang Team Asia. Basta ‘yung magandang tira, ‘yun ang mananalo dito sa laban na ito,” Bustamante said.
Jones acknowledged the depth of the Asian squad but emphasized the versatility and chemistry of his own team.
“We have many combinations, doubles. We’ve got the number one player in the world, a rookie who doesn’t even play like a rookie, and of course, Eagle Eye — who’s always one of the best in team events,” he said.
Jones added that leading a squad against Bustamante is a personal honor, describing Django as one of his heroes in the sport.
Team Asia will lean on a formidable lineup featuring two-time World Champion Carlo Biado, UK and Florida Open titlist Aloysius Yapp, 19-year-old Filipino sensation AJ Manas, Vietnam’s Duong Quoc Hoang, and Hanoi Open winner Johann Chua.
Biado, one of the veterans of the group, admitted the added pressure of playing in front of a home crowd — especially with the Reyes Cup’s short race-to-five format — but said experience and teamwork will carry them through.
“May pressure kasi iba ‘yung single event sa team event. Tapos ang race is race to five lang. So naka-pressure itong game na ito. Pero sa akin, dahil sa dami ng experience ko sa mga international event, nandun ‘yung pressure pero kaya ko i-handle. So ang gagawin na lang namin, ‘yung teamwork talaga importante,” Biado said.
Bustamante echoed Biado’s sentiment, sharing the advice he gave his team ahead of the high-stakes showdown.
“Basta sabi ko sa kanila, parang ‘yung regular na tournament lang. ‘Wag silang ma-pressure. Alam mo naman ito, kasi ang nakataya dito karangalan. So sabi ko sa kanila, basta relax lang kayo. Basta kung ano ‘yung ginagawa niyo sa tournament, ‘yun lang gawin niyo dito. At lahat naman ng Team Asia, nakasuporta kami lahat sa isa’t isa,” he said.
Team Rest of the World, meanwhile, brings its own heavy hitters: World No. 1 Fedor Gorst, top-ranked European Moritz Neuhausen, former US Open champ Jayson Shaw, Skylar Woodward, and Francisco Sanchez Ruiz — each known for thriving under pressure.
Gorst acknowledged the strength of the Asian squad but believes their team has what it takes.
“It’s going to be strong no matter who plays there because it’s the best players from the continent. We have a lot of respect for them, but respect doesn’t win games,” Gorst said. “I think the chances of our team are really good. Hopefully we can show our best game, and even if we don’t, I think we can still win.”
The Russian star is confident that this year’s team is better prepared, pointing to their improved chemistry and preparation.
“It’s a different team this year, and like Jayson [Shaw] said in the press conference, we have more time to get ready,” he added. “We actually had good practice sessions together. We know each other’s game so well that we can help each other find weaknesses and turn them into strengths. So I think we’ll do well this year.”
With legends on both sidelines, champions across every table, and national pride on the line, the Reyes Cup is once again shaping up to be a world-class battle between continents.
