Thx ray love these old matches, earl strickland was the best of all time. His top game would blow anyone away. His statement " I don't think anyone in the world can out shoot me when I'm right " and watching this video I believe him
Earl has always been my favorite player. Efren may be the best to others but there's something about Earl's smooth fast as lightning play that I have always loved. Earl is an American Icon!
The speed of his play combined with his fluid extra long stroke and confidence at the table is what sets him apart for me. And the way he uses all the table for shape is outstanding making the cue move much farther than other players even when he doesn't need to.
I was there also and I remember thinking "I would rather be here -- spectating this entire tournament -- than be anyplace else, anywhere on the planet."
I loved watching them all play. But also as important was the commentators. Loved the relaxed approach of Buddy and the ESPN guy comment on the game made me feel at home.
An appreciated and very accurate comment, Brian. Glad you're enjoying the matches on my channel. There are more than 35 other matches and informative clips.
I love Efren ... Earl is the only player I'm Afraid that can beat Efren too. Earl played his best as Efren, but If the sun shined on Efren, hell rampage non-stop
Ben Galioto I agree. He got in his own way a lot, but I think he’s the best, most talented player ever. If he’s on, everyone loses. Basically only Earl can beat Earl.
@@christopherwatson6090 hahaha sure, not saying he isn't one of the best players, but have you actually followed the history of pool? Everyone loses? Reyes has had by far the most succesful pool career and beat Strickland in the bigger matches.
@@9Ballr Sometimes people get wrapped up in personalities. During the 80’s and 90’s Earl Strickland was a profoundly better player than Efren Reyes, especially in high profile matches. It wasn’t even close. Satellite tournaments do matter and they’re fun to watch but they do not get written down in history books like the “Open” Championships do, why is this so difficult to comprehend. Any reasonable pool fan cannot in good conscious compare Stricklands 8 “OPEN” US & World Titles to Efren who only has two Titles. Listen, I get it!! Efren is a nice humble guy where Strickland could be annoying and abrasive but that doesn’t change their resumes. Enough said.
Efren "Bata" Manalang Reyes OLD PLH (born August 26, 1954) is a Filipino professional pool player. A winner of over 70 international titles, Reyes was the first player to win world championships in two different pool disciplines. Among his numerous titles, Reyes is a four-time World Eight-ball champion, the 1999 WPA World Nine-ball Championship winner, a three-time U.S. Open winner, a two-time World Pool League winner and a 13-time Derby City Classic winner. Reyes also represented the Philippines at the World Cup of Pool, winning the event with partner Francisco Bustamante in 2006 and 2009. By defeating American player Earl Strickland in the inaugural Color of Money event in 1997, Reyes took home the largest single match purse in pool history of $100K. Many analysts, fans and players consider Reyes to be the greatest pool player of all time.
Yes, OBO it is indeed a 26-years-younger Bustamante in the red shirt. *Besides Efren's usual Filipino traveling companions, Filipinos working all over the USA southwest traveled to the casino to watch national hero Efren.*For months ESPN widely promoted (to many countries) *this historic first LIVE global telecast of a world-title pocket billiards championship.* Before the live action started (and off-camera), the TV producers' representatives *bi-lingually* encouraged vigorous applause and energy from the crowds spectating each match.
My opinion, I think Buddy Hall is one of the best pool announcers ever…. And I think as a pair, Grady Matthews rest in peace and and Buddy Hall were my favorite duo and then you had Billy and Danny… as far as partner commentators…Earl Strictland and Johnny archer are probably my two most favorite American pool players but I love and respect every pool player from that era I’m from Jersey .. so to name a few… Steve Mizerak. .. and so on and so on.. and of course Efren Reyes
*_Love this post, Gianni and speaking for myself -- from Brooklyn originally -- as a lifetime player and super-fan of the professionals in our beloved sport, I totally agree with every word of your much-appreciated comment_*
You're exactly right. Billy Incardona ("Cardone" to his pro peers) has seen them all during the past five decades, and he's repeatedly said "Earl is the greatest natural talent I've ever seen."
After some further research and testing a few years later, the mfgr. (Diamond) re-engineered the mouth-throat *angles* and *shelf depth* on all future tables. *Only a few degrees of change, but the corner pockets went from extremely tough to -- not easy -- but very fair and reliable* As Earl later put it (after the changes): "They tell the truth on every shot."
The event was held within a huge Las Vegas casino. There is all manner of bustling crowd activity in transit hallways and rooms relatively proximate to the spacious room in which this event was conducted. Thankfully no clanging slot machine bells and winner alarms could travel to this arena.
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 I appreciate your reply. I just couldn't figure out what that noise was that sounded like wind. But I guess you explained it. Thanks. Keith
*Couple reasons for that Bryan: (a) many spectators were star-struck amateur team entries in the adjacent simultaneously-held US barbox tourney, (b) Filipinos working all over the US southwest traveled to the casino to watch Efren (c) for months ESPN widely promoted (to many countries) this historic first LIVE global telecast of a world-title pocket billiards championship and (d) pre-live action and off-camera, producers' reps bi-lingually amped up the crowds spectating each match. The bar for hyped-up crowds is now exceeded in most years by every Mosconi Cup audience with soccer fan-like vociferous, near-rowdy animation.*
Gotta say I was impressed with Howard Vickery. Gave Reyes all he could handle and felt bad that he was so close to advancing. Probably would of got crushed by Strickland anyway but gotta love the underdogs.
Hey you can not win it all. We all know that. But to be recognize by your opponent/s that your the best player. That is something! I'm efren fan and earl is my 2nd best player. Believe me a lot of us pinoys do not hate earl. We recognize great players we are just fun/happy loving person.
*If you'd like to know how today's very mature Earl totally respects Efren here's Earl's quite gracious and sincere 3 minutes of praise of Efren at one of the many "retirement" events for Efren* ruclips.net/video/yzMgi5laV9k/видео.html (Efren never did retire; still going strong anywhere in the world when the money amount appeals to him.)
@@jacobjones5269 I agree. Most of the matches Reyes won against Strickland were due to Earl's mistakes at the wrong point of his matches. It is hard to say who the best really is. I will say this. Reyes was great at taking advantage of others mistakes.
Exactly right Rog. Back then, they often had a hobby pool player who was good at co-commentating different sports on a given network, but with scant billiards expertise. Often the pool champion sitting next to him was left wondering should I audibly correct him or just prudently overlook some gaff. Kind of like we do with relatives at a Thanksgiving dinner, in the interests of least controversy (and harmonious future encounters).
+nimajnebrm *After* contact with the object ball, a rail must be touched by either the cue ball or another object ball (or an object ball must be pocketed). The only one confused was the commentator who said a ball was touched. It seems he got distracted by his conversation and assumed Efren accidentally touched a ball illegally.
Hi, Joe. I've been playing not a long time so I'm still learning the rules. What you say is an international rule? And, It's the same rule for 8 ball? Regards from Barcelona, Spain.
David Molano yes, as far as I know, it's an international rule, and the same rule applies to 8ball. The purpose of this rule is mostly to prevent cheap safety shots; imagine a scenario where you have no shot to a pocket, the cueball is 5 inches away from one of your object balls, so you softly roll the object ball 5 inches and stick the cueball onto the object ball. If you want to do a defense play where you stick the cueball onto an object ball, you have to be more creative. For example, strike your object ball with enough force to hit a rail, then control the cueball to stick to an object ball. This example is much more difficult than the first one I gave :)
Thank you. I have another question... When you are playing an 8 ball game, Can you do the break shot from the long rail as it is usual in 9 ball? I mean, I don't see a lot of players breaking on an 8 ball from the long rail. It's very rare, isn't it? They do it from the head spot or near to it. But I've seen videos where breaking from the long rail or near to it it's more easy to pocket the 8 ball. Do It depends on the rules of the tournaments?
David Molano it's perfectly legal, in fact most of the time I do it. In 8ball, when breaking like that, you want to aim at the SECOND ball, so do not hit the very first ball in the rack. The point of this break is that you are hitting closer to the center of the rack, thus exerting more energy onto the 8ball directly. This usually results in a more clustered lay-out and depending on the table and random variables, usually a less consistent pot on the break, therefore you usually lose your turn. However, if you are going for the 8ball on break, this is your best shot :) Edit; I just remembered, I have seen SOME tournaments where the kitchen is much smaller on the break, and you have to break from more the center of the kitchen. I believe it was 8ball, but to be honest, this is not very common even in tournament play..
Parted decades ago. Durable, long-lasting first-time marriages are historically the exception with *top-level* US pros. That said, many of them have made a second marriage work very well.
Hello, not so much, but Earl was very lucky, in the third game Reyes breaks and gets covered from there onwards Efren had no chance and when he broke Earl everything was free, however Earl is a good player I think one of the best but it does not surpass Efren that is my opinion. Thanks and regards from Ecuador
When discussing who is the better player in a specific sport it comes down to comparing *different time periods* then, who had the *most overall career wins* and finally: *what level of opponents were the wins against* . All we can logically say is that *on this particular day* Earl played better and had the most good fortune, but the two players had a roughly equal amount of pool knowledge and natural ability for the game. Efren has inarguably had the *longest period of peak playing ability* of any world-class player in pool history. You'd be correct to say that In that regard, Earl does not surpass Efren in my opinion.
I know Buddy is impressed with Earl's break but even at his peak like here, Earl's break was very good but far from great. Archer is another who gets far too many accolades for his great break shot during his prime. Neither one really hit the rack with elite power. My break shot during those years was much stronger and controlled. I could plant the cue ball in the center of the table and hit the rack a legitimate ton. Much harder than Earl or Johnny. Of course I didn't have the amazing pocketing skills hey had.
I've witnessed thousands of "cannonball" breakers in beer bars and renowned big-city billiard rooms around the world. Few of them passionately devote the requisite hours and years to develop world-class knowledge and *pocketing skills* that set them light years apart from the also-rans who achieve neither significant gambling & tournament victories, nor enviable pool careers and historic record-book recognition. Just an old-timer's opinion. Bustamante is a great model for emerging players, conveying that "elite power breaking" can be combined with highly sophisticated pocketing skills even in the absence of a powerful body. His *timing* and body motion on the break stroke is/was exquisitely honed to perfection.
MW - "Has" and "have" conflates two different time periods and two differently-sized pool "worlds". The 1994 commentator is referring to *the US professional player "world"* and there was wide agreement that Earl's break was best. Does Earl *_"have"_* the best break in the vastly larger *domestic and international pool world of 2020? -- *of course not.* And Reyes' break appropriately was not being discussed by the 1994 commentator.
Strickland sure did have the best break in 9-ball. Earl was and is one of the most dangerous players, because he could get so far ahead of you, or come from behind and pass you by so quickly. No player was ever comfortable with their lead against Earl. He is one of the most naturally gifted pool players ever born.
Earl The Pearl is most known for his natural shot making ability including a monster break, and his fast no-nonsense style. The Greatest cueball control master - in 9 ball - is without a doubt The Rifleman - Buddy Hall. He always played pinpoint position. Earl didn't care about such position because he could pocket balls from anywhere, and is a rhythm player. That said nobody played and made the game of 9 ball look simpler than Buddy Hall.
@@blu3collar949 True in straightpool but imo Mosconi was The King in that game. He was an unusual combo of fast rhythm shotmaker, and pinpoint cueball position player.
Also, it's way more fun and entertaining to watch earl. He's highly talented, alive, emotional and we're emotional beings. Watching Efren is almost like watching paint dry as he plays so mute lol. And his stroke and speed seems to always be the same . Earl is like watching your favorite movie
After some further research and testing a few years later, the mfgr. re-engineered the mouth-throat *angles* and shelf depth on all future tables. Only a few degrees of change, but the corner pockets went from extremely tough to -- not easy -- but very fair and reliable. As Earl later put it (after the changes): "They tell the truth on every shot."
Clicking now!!!!
I wish I could shoot like that.
@@WilliamSarokon e. 3. CD e.
Pi
Great match !!!
Incredible unseen matches!! Thanks for the uploads!
Thx ray love these old matches, earl strickland was the best of all time. His top game would blow anyone away. His statement " I don't think anyone in the world can out shoot me when I'm right " and watching this video I believe him
What a great video. It's awesome to watch Strickland play in the 90s and the commentary is very good too :)
The two greatest at the top of their game. Thank you for this!
You sir are the best! Thanks so much for these uploads
Thanks you ray, love seeing the players when there were younger
Earl certainly earned this championship. It's a true rarity to see anyone overpower Efren like this. :)
Earl looked like a machine. Almost flawless.
Wondering if they drug test? 🤔
Earl has always been my favorite player. Efren may be the best to others but there's something about Earl's smooth fast as lightning play that I have always loved. Earl is an American Icon!
The speed of his play combined with his fluid extra long stroke and confidence at the table is what sets him apart for me. And the way he uses all the table for shape is outstanding making the cue move much farther than other players even when he doesn't need to.
Earl is my favorite player but it seems like many recognize Efren as the world icon of billiards.
@@kurtdylanb I whole heartedly agree.
Strickland in beast mode. At his peak, he had another gear few if any could match.
I have to agree with most Earl was spot on and he knew it, when that's your moment, your unbelievable!!
Thanks for posting! Love it
Thank you for uploading..
*
@2:04:41 holy hell. They talk about efren kicking abilities, but we should all be talking about Earl Strickland's!!
Nice upload...I was at the Breedlove/Strickland match. I need to review this and find my buddy Bill Elliot (RIP) and me watching the action.
I was there also and I remember thinking "I would rather be here -- spectating this entire tournament -- than be anyplace else, anywhere on the planet."
I loved watching them all play. But also as important was the commentators. Loved the relaxed approach of Buddy and the ESPN guy comment on the game made me feel at home.
An appreciated and very accurate comment, Brian. Glad you're enjoying the matches on my channel. There are more than 35 other matches and informative clips.
In case you didn't know, Efren went on to win his one and only US Open Title at the next event, ending his U.S. slump.
My two Idols, Efren and Earl
sololegit efren was amazing. but earl was a better 9 ball player and better pure stroker
I love Efren ... Earl is the only player I'm Afraid that can beat Efren too. Earl played his best as Efren, but If the sun shined on Efren, hell rampage non-stop
In his prime Earl Strickland was truly the best 9-ball player. I would go as far as saying he’s the best 9-ball player of all time.
Ben Galioto I agree. He got in his own way a lot, but I think he’s the best, most talented player ever. If he’s on, everyone loses. Basically only Earl can beat Earl.
@@christopherwatson6090 hahaha sure, not saying he isn't one of the best players, but have you actually followed the history of pool? Everyone loses? Reyes has had by far the most succesful pool career and beat Strickland in the bigger matches.
World 9-Ball titles: Earl Strickland 3 Efren Reyes 1
U.S. Open 9-Ball titles: Earl Strickland 5 Efren Reyes 1
@@9Ballr Sometimes people get wrapped up in personalities. During the 80’s and 90’s Earl Strickland was a profoundly better player than Efren Reyes, especially in high profile matches. It wasn’t even close. Satellite tournaments do matter and they’re fun to watch but they do not get written down in history books like the “Open” Championships do, why is this so difficult to comprehend. Any reasonable pool fan cannot in good conscious compare Stricklands 8 “OPEN” US & World Titles to Efren who only has two Titles. Listen, I get it!! Efren is a nice humble guy where Strickland could be annoying and abrasive but that doesn’t change their resumes. Enough said.
Efren "Bata" Manalang Reyes OLD PLH (born August 26, 1954) is a Filipino professional pool player. A winner of over 70 international titles, Reyes was the first player to win world championships in two different pool disciplines. Among his numerous titles, Reyes is a four-time World Eight-ball champion, the 1999 WPA World Nine-ball Championship winner, a three-time U.S. Open winner, a two-time World Pool League winner and a 13-time Derby City Classic winner. Reyes also represented the Philippines at the World Cup of Pool, winning the event with partner Francisco Bustamante in 2006 and 2009. By defeating American player Earl Strickland in the inaugural Color of Money event in 1997, Reyes took home the largest single match purse in pool history of $100K. Many analysts, fans and players consider Reyes to be the greatest pool player of all time.
goodness gracious that was exciting
Awesome upload 🤩👍🔥.
Glad you enjoyed it, Rubster.
*
Earl at his peak --very impressive!
thanks for this
Yes, again Ray.... Thanks!! Love Earl vs Efren from this era!!
damn earl came with some shots to put that 9 pack together.. Vintage earl!!!
strange how they got a shot clock and the chairs are so far away from the table
Strickland was the magic man on the cross bank shot at 2:04:42 on the one ball. He destroyed Reyes.
Did you see earl's hand gesture after that shot. That is pool you win some you lose some.
Interesting that the cloth does seem to play faster the length of the table versus across . . . or is that just adapting to distance?
Simonis is omni-directional -- same inherent speed-potential in *all* directions, due to the smooth, nap-free worsted (short-fiber) weave.
I love Efran but DAYUM The Pearl is a monster!
I loved Buddy hall's laugh when the other announcer called earl Master Blaster.
Vickery is playing good pool against Efren Bata Reyes. Close game here. Efren is shooting good too.🎱
At 1:25:24 is that Bustamante on red shirt? Thanks for uploading this video👍🏻🙂
Yes, OBO it is indeed a 26-years-younger Bustamante in the red shirt. *Besides Efren's usual Filipino traveling companions, Filipinos working all over the USA southwest traveled to the casino to watch national hero Efren.*For months ESPN widely promoted (to many countries) *this historic first LIVE global telecast of a world-title pocket billiards championship.*
Before the live action started (and off-camera), the TV producers' representatives *bi-lingually* encouraged vigorous applause and energy from the crowds spectating each match.
My opinion, I think Buddy Hall is one of the best pool announcers ever…. And I think as a pair, Grady Matthews rest in peace and and Buddy Hall were my favorite duo and then you had Billy and Danny… as far as partner commentators…Earl Strictland and Johnny archer are probably my two most favorite American pool players but I love and respect every pool player from that era I’m from Jersey .. so to name a few… Steve Mizerak. .. and so on and so on.. and of course Efren Reyes
*_Love this post, Gianni and speaking for myself -- from Brooklyn originally -- as a lifetime player and super-fan of the professionals in our beloved sport, I totally agree with every word of your much-appreciated comment_*
@ much appreciated, bro. Hope all is well. Also a lifetime player.
Good Tagalog & English article -- Efren's reasons for possibly retiring: tinyurl.com/ydfszdpf
earl in his prime,no one better ever !
You're exactly right. Billy Incardona ("Cardone" to his pro peers) has seen them all during the past five decades, and he's repeatedly said "Earl is the greatest natural talent I've ever seen."
The pockets on this table are brutal. Fun game to watch actually
After some further research and testing a few years later, the mfgr. (Diamond) re-engineered the mouth-throat *angles* and *shelf depth* on all future tables. *Only a few degrees of change, but the corner pockets went from extremely tough to -- not easy -- but very fair and reliable* As Earl later put it (after the changes): "They tell the truth on every shot."
This last year saw SVB and Shaw playing with 3 7/8" pockets.
1:28:17 is that busty & jose parica in the back?
That Bustamante, but not Parica.
At the 18:50 Mark
What is the wind
Sounds I keep hearing ?
The event was held within a huge Las Vegas casino. There is all manner of bustling crowd activity in transit hallways and rooms relatively proximate to the spacious room in which this event was conducted. Thankfully no clanging slot machine bells and winner alarms could travel to this arena.
@@raycarltonbilliards5798
I appreciate your reply.
I just couldn't figure out what that noise was that sounded like wind.
But I guess you explained it.
Thanks. Keith
AHHHHhhh ~ mazinggg - - - > Earl the Pearl - did you know he's a genius ?
He is indeed a genius . . . he once told me so, in-person. 😂
And as so many genius's are... Earl is a "bit" eccentric... LOL
one of the most hyped pool crowds i've ever heard
*Couple reasons for that Bryan: (a) many spectators were star-struck amateur team entries in the adjacent simultaneously-held US barbox tourney, (b) Filipinos working all over the US southwest traveled to the casino to watch Efren (c) for months ESPN widely promoted (to many countries) this historic first LIVE global telecast of a world-title pocket billiards championship and (d) pre-live action and off-camera, producers' reps bi-lingually amped up the crowds spectating each match. The bar for hyped-up crowds is now exceeded in most years by every Mosconi Cup audience with soccer fan-like vociferous, near-rowdy animation.*
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 great context, thanks, I always wondered about that. and yeah, I should've excluded mosconi cups probably
ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE Scott Smith REFEREE
Gotta say I was impressed with Howard Vickery. Gave Reyes all he could handle and felt bad that he was so close to advancing. Probably would of got crushed by Strickland anyway but gotta love the underdogs.
When Earl is on it's all over but the crying ...
Hey you can not win it all. We all know that. But to be recognize by your opponent/s that your the best player. That is something! I'm efren fan and earl is my 2nd best player. Believe me a lot of us pinoys do not hate earl. We recognize great players we are just fun/happy loving person.
*If you'd like to know how today's very mature Earl totally respects Efren here's Earl's quite gracious and sincere 3 minutes of praise of Efren at one of the many "retirement" events for Efren* ruclips.net/video/yzMgi5laV9k/видео.html
(Efren never did retire; still going strong anywhere in the world when the money amount appeals to him.)
Reyes lost this match but he won most likely of their matches with bigger prizes.
Although I believe Earl is the better 9-ball player, Efren has always had his number, somewhat.. Buddy has owned Efren for decades..
@@jacobjones5269 Sigel also owned Efren.
@@jacobjones5269 I agree. Most of the matches Reyes won against Strickland were due to Earl's mistakes at the wrong point of his matches. It is hard to say who the best really is. I will say this. Reyes was great at taking advantage of others mistakes.
I can link you 5 other times Earl beat Efren right now.... And probably find more.
Not a touched ball foul; failed to hit rail after contact.
Exactly right Rog. Back then, they often had a hobby pool player who was good at co-commentating different sports on a given network, but with scant billiards expertise. Often the pool champion sitting next to him was left wondering should I audibly correct him or just prudently overlook some gaff. Kind of like we do with relatives at a Thanksgiving dinner, in the interests of least controversy (and harmonious future encounters).
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 : right! 😉👍
2:08:10 Announcer seems to be confused about the rules here...
+nimajnebrm *After* contact with the object ball, a rail must be touched by either the cue ball or another object ball (or an object ball must be pocketed). The only one confused was the commentator who said a ball was touched. It seems he got distracted by his conversation and assumed Efren accidentally touched a ball illegally.
Hi, Joe. I've been playing not a long time so I'm still learning the rules. What you say is an international rule? And, It's the same rule for 8 ball?
Regards from Barcelona, Spain.
David Molano yes, as far as I know, it's an international rule, and the same rule applies to 8ball. The purpose of this rule is mostly to prevent cheap safety shots; imagine a scenario where you have no shot to a pocket, the cueball is 5 inches away from one of your object balls, so you softly roll the object ball 5 inches and stick the cueball onto the object ball.
If you want to do a defense play where you stick the cueball onto an object ball, you have to be more creative. For example, strike your object ball with enough force to hit a rail, then control the cueball to stick to an object ball. This example is much more difficult than the first one I gave :)
Thank you. I have another question...
When you are playing an 8 ball game, Can you do the break shot from the long rail as it is usual in 9 ball? I mean, I don't see a lot of players breaking on an 8 ball from the long rail. It's very rare, isn't it? They do it from the head spot or near to it. But I've seen videos where breaking from the long rail or near to it it's more easy to pocket the 8 ball. Do It depends on the rules of the tournaments?
David Molano it's perfectly legal, in fact most of the time I do it. In 8ball, when breaking like that, you want to aim at the SECOND ball, so do not hit the very first ball in the rack. The point of this break is that you are hitting closer to the center of the rack, thus exerting more energy onto the 8ball directly.
This usually results in a more clustered lay-out and depending on the table and random variables, usually a less consistent pot on the break, therefore you usually lose your turn. However, if you are going for the 8ball on break, this is your best shot :)
Edit; I just remembered, I have seen SOME tournaments where the kitchen is much smaller on the break, and you have to break from more the center of the kitchen. I believe it was 8ball, but to be honest, this is not very common even in tournament play..
I love Vickery's skullet!
Beautiful era
Speaking of George Breedlove, That is the husband to Jeanette Lee.
Earl's wife was a hottie back then... I wonder if they're still together?
Parted decades ago. Durable, long-lasting first-time marriages are historically the exception with *top-level* US pros. That said, many of them have made a second marriage work very well.
Her "look" is nostalgic...lol Those were great times.
Hello, not so much, but Earl was very lucky, in the third game Reyes breaks and gets covered from there onwards Efren had no chance and when he broke Earl everything was free, however Earl is a good player I think one of the best but it does not surpass Efren that is my opinion. Thanks and regards from Ecuador
When discussing who is the better player in a specific sport it comes down to comparing *different time periods* then, who had the *most overall career wins* and finally: *what level of opponents were the wins against* . All we can logically say is that *on this particular day* Earl played better and had the most good fortune, but the two players had a roughly equal amount of pool knowledge and natural ability for the game. Efren has inarguably had the *longest period of peak playing ability* of any world-class player in pool history. You'd be correct to say that In that regard, Earl does not surpass Efren in my opinion.
I know Buddy is impressed with Earl's break but even at his peak like here, Earl's break was very good but far from great. Archer is another who gets far too many accolades for his great break shot during his prime. Neither one really hit the rack with elite power. My break shot during those years was much stronger and controlled. I could plant the cue ball in the center of the table and hit the rack a legitimate ton. Much harder than Earl or Johnny. Of course I didn't have the amazing pocketing skills hey had.
I've witnessed thousands of "cannonball" breakers in beer bars and renowned big-city billiard rooms around the world. Few of them passionately devote the requisite hours and years to develop world-class knowledge and *pocketing skills* that set them light years apart from the also-rans who achieve neither significant gambling & tournament victories, nor enviable pool careers and historic record-book recognition. Just an old-timer's opinion. Bustamante is a great model for emerging players, conveying that "elite power breaking" can be combined with highly sophisticated pocketing skills even in the absence of a powerful body. His *timing* and body motion on the break stroke is/was exquisitely honed to perfection.
"he has the best break in the world"... you gotta be kidding me. Neither Strickland nor Reyes have the best break, not even close.
MW - "Has" and "have" conflates two different time periods and two differently-sized pool "worlds". The 1994 commentator is referring to *the US professional player "world"* and there was wide agreement that Earl's break was best. Does Earl *_"have"_* the best break in the vastly larger *domestic and international pool world of 2020? -- *of course not.* And Reyes' break appropriately was not being discussed by the 1994 commentator.
Yes, Earl had the best break at the time without a doubt. He's older now so everything has naturally gone downhill, even his game.
Johnny may have something to say about that, but Earl’s break was dominating..
Strickland sure did have the best break in 9-ball. Earl was and is one of the most dangerous players, because he could get so far ahead of you, or come from behind and pass you by so quickly. No player was ever comfortable with their lead against Earl. He is one of the most naturally gifted pool players ever born.
@@bonhzeppelin55 Agreed. Except with the break being the best in the world, which is what this was actually about.
Efren beat the predator.
Good job the winner breaks is gone
No player in the world have the control in his cuebal like earl stricland... Earl king really
Earl The Pearl is most known for his natural shot making ability including a monster break, and his fast no-nonsense style. The Greatest cueball control master - in 9 ball - is without a doubt The Rifleman - Buddy Hall. He always played pinpoint position. Earl didn't care about such position because he could pocket balls from anywhere, and is a rhythm player. That said nobody played and made the game of 9 ball look simpler than Buddy Hall.
@@bonhzeppelin55
Dallas West was pretty darn good at pinpoint cue control himself.
@@blu3collar949 True in straightpool but imo Mosconi was The King in that game. He was an unusual combo of fast rhythm shotmaker, and pinpoint cueball position player.
Haha.... Then who's d gaot?
Wrong, sorry. Earl was a master shotmaker and had unrivaled confidence. Buddy Hall had much better cueball control.
Seldom times Earl beats Efren
Earl beat Efren plenty... won more titles, more US opens and more World titles.
I can link you 5 other times right now....
Earl has the better record vs Efren. BUT Efren is still the best all around player. Earl was a 9 ball specialist
Also, it's way more fun and entertaining to watch earl. He's highly talented, alive, emotional and we're emotional beings. Watching Efren is almost like watching paint dry as he plays so mute lol. And his stroke and speed seems to always be the same . Earl is like watching your favorite movie
Wrong...
el clasico
In the final, luck is with Earl. everything went out
I think you mean "everything went *in*" Or am I misunderstanding something?
Tightest table ever!
After some further research and testing a few years later, the mfgr. re-engineered the mouth-throat *angles* and shelf depth on all future tables. Only a few degrees of change, but the corner pockets went from extremely tough to -- not easy -- but very fair and reliable. As Earl later put it (after the changes): "They tell the truth on every shot."
Howard Vickery: best player ever who has a skullet.