MANILA, Philippines – Filipino pool maestro Efren “Bata” Reyes avenged his Derby Bank Pool Finals loss by nabbing the top prize in the FatBoy 10-Ball Challenge in Indiana, United States.

Reyes, playing under the banner of Puyat Sports, stamped his class by going through the entire event undefeated. He took home $6,500 by winning against Virginia state champion Brandon Shuff of the USA, 15-8. The American settled for $3,250.

Reyes, dubbed as “The Magician” in the billiards scene, quickly piled an early 6-0 lead against Shuff who manage to close the gap at 13-5 count in the 18th rack.

However, Reyes recovered and zoomed to a 15-8 victory in the single elimination format.

On the road to the finals, Reyes eliminated fellow former world champion Johnny “Scorpion” Archer of the US to arrange a titular showdown with Shuff.

In the Derby City Classic, One Pocket-division, former world no.1 Francisco “Django” Bustamante, another Puyat Sports bet, finished over-all third for $2,500.

Scott “The Freezer” Frost of the USA took the title plus top prize of $20,000 after beating Sylver Ochoa of Mexico in the finals. The Texas-based Ochoa received $6,000 for his effort. -- by Marlon Bernardino