Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante both recorded victories on the opening day of the WNT Legends event, held from January 21 to 23 at Gateway Mall in Quezon City. Reyes defeated Ralf Souquet, while Bustamante overcame Earl Strickland, giving the Filipino representatives a strong start on home soil.
The WNT Legends event is the first World Nineball Tour competition of 2026 and features several of the most accomplished players in the sport’s history.
Reflecting on the opening day, Reyes said he was pleased to compete again alongside longtime rivals and teammates, noting the significance of securing two wins for the Philippines on the first day of play.
Match One
Francisco Bustamante def. Earl Strickland, 11–9
Bustamante began the match with a steady start before Strickland responded to take a narrow 5–4 lead. The two exchanged racks through the middle stages, remaining close as the score reached 9–9.
The turning point came in the 18th rack when a foul by Strickland allowed Bustamante to reach the hill. Bustamante then closed out the match with a 4–9 combination to secure the win.
After the match, Bustamante described the contest as competitive and acknowledged Strickland’s continued level of play. Strickland, meanwhile, credited Bustamante for his performance and said he was looking forward to his next match.
Match Two
Efren Reyes def. Ralf Souquet, 11–8
Reyes took an early lead before Souquet responded to level the score at 4–4. Reyes then moved ahead again, extending his advantage to 7–4. Souquet reduced the deficit to 7–6, but a missed opportunity on the 9-ball allowed Reyes to pull clear once more.
Although Souquet rallied to tie the match at 8–8, a key safety exchange shifted momentum back to Reyes, who went on to close out the match and complete a second win for the Philippines on the day.
Souquet said he enjoyed the opportunity to play Reyes again and noted the competitive atmosphere of the event.
Action continues on Day Two with Francisco Bustamante scheduled to face Ralf Souquet, followed by a match between Efren Reyes and Earl Strickland, renewing one of the sport’s most familiar rivalries.