Earl Strickland captured the WNT Legends title after defeating Francisco Bustamante 11–6 in the final match, closing out a week-long exhibition event held at Gateway Mall in Quezon City.
Strickland’s victory completed a turnaround following an opening-day loss, allowing the American veteran to finish the event with a strong performance against a fellow Hall of Famer. The final was played in front of a capacity crowd, with sustained local support throughout the week.
Final
Earl Strickland def. Francisco Bustamante, 11–6
Strickland established an early lead and maintained control through the opening phase of the match. Bustamante responded midway, briefly leveling the score at 6–6, but was unable to sustain momentum in the closing stages. Strickland capitalized on late opportunities, winning five consecutive racks to secure the championship.
Bustamante acknowledged that missed chances proved costly, crediting his opponent for taking advantage when it mattered most. Despite the result, he described the event as a memorable experience, highlighting the significance of competing once again alongside longtime rivals in front of a home crowd.
Third Place Playoff
Ralf Souquet def. Efren Reyes, 11–9
Earlier in the day, Souquet claimed third place with an 11–9 win over Reyes in a closely contested playoff. The match remained tight throughout, with both players trading racks before Souquet edged ahead in the final moments.
Souquet noted the challenge of competing against a crowd firmly backing Reyes, while expressing appreciation for the atmosphere and reception throughout the event. Reyes, in turn, cited difficulties on the break and credited Souquet for the stronger performance on the day.
Event Overview
WNT Legends brought together four of the most accomplished players in modern pool history for a short-format competition that emphasized legacy, rivalry, and sportsmanship. The event marked a rare occasion where Strickland, Bustamante, Souquet, and Reyes shared the competitive stage once more, offering fans a retrospective showcase of elite-level shotmaking and experience.
The week concluded with a sense of closure for many in attendance, underscoring the enduring impact these players have had on the sport across multiple generations.