Earl Strickland has expressed his incredible admiration of the legendary Efren Reyes following an 11-6 victory over his old adversary at the WNT Legends exhibition in the Philippines.
Having been beaten by Francisco Bustamante in Wednesday’s opening match at a well-attended Gateway Mall in Quezon City, three-time world champion Strickland bounced back with a stunning victory over his fellow hall of famer.
Despite a phenomenal kick shot for a one-nine combination from Reyes, who conjured up some of his old magic, Strickland emerged victorious to reach Friday’s WNT Legends final against Bustamante.
“Well, with Efren you’ve got to stay patient and play the safeties. If you don’t, he’ll beat you silly, and there’s no doubt about that,” Strickland told WNT TV following his win.
“He makes you pay attention. And I played well today. I pocketed the balls well and I didn’t break overly well. Balls were clogging up a lot though. But overall, I’m happy with the way I played today.”
Strickland and Reyes renewing rivalries once more marked three decades since their famous Color of Money challenge match in Hong Kong, where Reyes battled back from behind to beat the American 120-117.
“I still remember that match like we were playing it right now,” Strickland admitted. “I was beating him so bad he was asleep. I missed the ball down in the corner when I should have made, right? I had a like 13 game lead or something and I missed it.
“He jumped out of the chair. What did he do? He jumped out of the chair and ran 10 racks on me. He’s an amazing player and there’s never going to be another Efren. I learned so much from him.
Strickland added: “I never thought I’d play Efren again. I beat him in an exhibition three or four years ago in America and I just figured that he would go back to the Philippines and never return, and he hasn’t come back since then I don’t think.
“I knew if I came over here I would probably get to play him. I don’t know if he’s going back anymore, he’s getting older and the travelling takes its toll. That’s why I try and stay in a bit better shape because the flights are tough.
“Just to play him again, win or lose, but I’m certainly glad I won. I think he’s disappointed, he had a really disappointed look on his face. I think he really wanted to beat me one more time.”
