Byron: In 1988 Efren teamed up with long-time friend -- and very capable interpreter -- Rolando Vicente, his manager of many years. The relationship continues till the present.
Efren is so fascinating to watch, so very good, very tough inside yet so humble. You can almost feel how mizerak squirm inside for all the expert defensive play of efren. Good video. Thanks.
Armando: Miz -- a three-time World 14.1 champion and BCA Hall of Fame inductee -- never once squirmed during his entire world-class playing career . . . *no matter who the opponent was.* He and Efren respected each other enormously.
Everything on the line for Efren at 2:10:00 when he fires a length of the table shot at the 5 ball in the corner pocket. Not only does he make it with perfect shape but the speed he pocketed that ball was such that if I were playing it would be necessary to investigate and examine the right hand pocket for damage before my next shot. In his prime Efren is the strongest player I've ever seen or hope to see and his power left him on his break shot in later years but during his prime he really sledged the rack with strong power when he needed to. Strickland, in the game of 9 ball was his equal or slightly better. But Efren was a multiple champion at One Pocket, Eight Ball, and Carom Billiards. I feel so lucky to have witnessed this man play in my lifetime.
@@BladeRunner-td8be I agree, matches between Strickland & Reyes were a dream to watch, I’ve always admired Strickland game, after each semi-retired from competitive pool, they became friends and respected each after a long hard fought career, titans of the game I only wish I had 0.01% of their game
There may be no prettier sight in the history of pocket billiards than watching Efren Reyes in full stroke. Doesn’t matter who this version of “Bata” is playing.
*THE* perfect comment, Boyd! Couldn't agree more, as would any lifelong fan and player of our mutually beloved sport. It's worth noting that hands-down, *Efren has had the longest period of peak skills of any player in the 170-year history of professional billiards* . For more pool beauty (perfection actually) simply watch this video (link below) from beginning to end: ruclips.net/video/PYGYGrChn5A/видео.html then give a reply here after watching it.* The skill displayed in this flawless 1992 performance was widely acknowledged by contemporary pool experts as a very rare display of perfect pool. I was lucky enough to have been in the NYC audience for it.
These videos of Efren playing in the 90's are a gem. This was the time when he was at his prime. We will never see another player play at the highest level like efren does. One of the greatest to ever play the game, if not the greatest.
I know this is almost 30 years ago, but I forgot just how much I love watching Steve Mizerak play, and how good he really was back then. Its like watching Botticelli paint. Or listening to Mozart compose music. I love watching these older 9-ball matches.
Thanks for posting this beautifully expressed (and accurate) comment. Everyone who knew Steve dearly misses him. He and I would often trade amusing back-East NYC pool scene stories we both howled about. Hustles and heartaches. ~ Ray C.
The main guy has to be the best host I've ever seen in any sporting event. He keeps things moving along so well. Great rapport, great respect for everyone, good humor, etc.
A spot-on observation, PZ and very well described. Thanks for the positive and accurate comment. Glad you enjoyed the proceedings and the warmth and color he added. He (Tom Kelly) had a long career hosting major golf tournaments and was much beloved for his ever-present unique style, golf knowledge, collegiality and friendliness. He passed away two years ago.
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 Yes, Tom Kelly was also the USC Trojans football play by play man and also did boxing and a lot of other sports. A very versatile and likable sports broadcaster.
What a joy to watch Mizerak and Efren! I've seen Efren play many matches, but rarely ever got to see The Miz play. Efren was a force to be reckoned with back then. Still is in my opinion.
So very rare for a young man to acquire skills to this level and remain humble and focused, which let's you learn and dominate and eventually rise to legendary magical moments.
I'm an old geezer; haven't played in 50 years, never at this level but I spent a lot of time in pool halls in my raucus youth. Watching this match, besides being amazing, brought back good memories. This will sound corny, but I like these people; the players, the commentators, the referee (we used to call him the game master, I think), these are all nice people. There was not a negative word spoken by anybody in this two hour video. Pool halls back in the 50s and 60s in the USA were considered a bit low-brow, habited by shady characters (like me). Maybe that's why I liked them so much. Thanks so much for posting this. Oh, Reyes was unbelievable, and Steve Mizerak took it like a gentleman. Bravo.
Many thanks, Michael for starting 2022 off with a comment like that which so thoroughly radiates healthful positivity. I vote you "Man of the New Year!"
Great to hear those kinds of comments, Kelly. Efren is not only a pool genius, but such a decent, wholesome man. I've known him for more than 30 years. He's a wonderful role model for young and older folks alike, and for emerging players everywhere. Pool players of all ages around the world (and millions of non-players too) all love Efren. His skills, sportsmanship and unmistakable human kindness dazzle everyone. *He has inspired more players to begin playing our wonderful sport, than any player in the 170-year history of professional pool.*
I remember The Miz referring to this match in the prologue for the Reyes - Rempe match, that happened a year later. Finally I can watch it! Thanks for uploading.
It’s so pleasing to watch poetry in motion, Efren makes that cue ball sing to his tune, I love watching his matches even though I’ve seen them before, it’s one I haven’t
Thank you for taking the time to send those kind words, Riley. I''m very pleased that you're enjoying all the videos. Makes my time and archiving efforts worthwhile. Nice to give something back to our beloved sport that has been giving me *many decades of pleasure in playing it regularly, and while watching champions playing it with astonishing skill and confidence* .
1994 thru 1996 last years of normalcy, best years of Hollywood. People still smoked in bars, restaurants, at work and on airplanes. Kids bikes outside friends houses, playing outside was normal. If I could I'd be willing to get "groundhog day" stuck there and I don't smoke nor ever did.
Such a class act- both players here. Much more enjoyable to watch as a fan than some other players who talk too much. The respect is palpable. Thank you for uploading this classic match!!!
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 I very much do enjoy the vids I've seen from you and will watch the others!! Thanks again for sharing both the videos and your knowledge !
Efren is a very simple player, plays and enjoys watching young and old to play with after his coffee in the morning. He plays at his friend's billard place, a very humble place at his hometown.
Efren Reyes is a legendary pool player. Also a very humble and good spirited person too, would be an honor for any pool shark to play against him in a championship.
Davenport is a great player. Efren plays with a great tempo & his stroke is just beautiful. Davenport shooting that 6-9 combo so hard was uncharacteristic of him. Davenport as you can see has a different tempo & style. He is very effective & beating Johnny Archer ain’t no easy task. Great match from almost 30 years ago.
You could tell by the way Kim was aiming he was going to miss, he aimed it like he was going to make the 6 instead of cutting the 9 in. It definitely didn’t help him blasting it into outer space lol
I appreciate the commentator Tom. He didn't come across as a know it all. He deferred to the professionals and I love that. It takes a lot to do that. His commentary is very colorful.
Clemond: Tom Kelly was primarily a leading golf and football commentator for various networks and very popular for those sports. Prime recruited him for their Pro Tour pool coverage. Tom was only a hobby-level pool player, but an excellent golfer. Here he essentially served as a non-expert surrogate for the home viewing audience with lesser pool experience, *_and asking many innocent questions they might_* and deserved easy to understand answers as to what was going on in certain situations . Sponsors rightfully appreciated his colorful -- as you've noted -- presence in that role . Golf coverage often has a lot of dramatic language . . . pool not so much, as is appropriate. Sad to report Tom passed away five years ago after a long illness.
Another great youtube...being real and honest. Love the way you started the vidio. Im just turning 60 and live alone, Ive been in 2 relationships in my life, and still beleive in true love. I feel, happy alone. I though about what will happen when i go, and having a will is a good idea, and a clean house lol. Keep active and doing new things. I so love your vidios, honesty...caught my attention!
I grew up watching Miz. I sure wish that he could have gotten his health under control before it was too late. I really loved that guy and enjoy seeing his old matches, even when he came out on the losing end. Of course, there is Reyes; what can one say?
What *one can say* is that one player has nothing to do with the other* except for the very important commonality that they were/are both BCA Hall of Fame inductees for all the right reasons. In the entire 170-year history of pool only 81 pool notables have that honor -- 75% of them as national or world-class players champions.*I totally agree about Steve. I knew him for 25 years. As you know he passed away in 2006, much too young. His career and life are well detailed here:* en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Mizerak I was one of a rotating crew of L.A.-residing volunteer scorekeepers for most of the 1960s - early '70s years that Fred Whalen held his annual US Invitational 14.1 Championships at the huge downtown Los Angeles Elks Club. I score-kept many of Steve's matches. *He was very fit and in his early twenties then* and a supremely talented 14.1 master with many *300-plus exhibition runs* in his *teenage* years! . A nicer guy you couldn't find, and he went on to dominate Straight Pool for several of his prime years. Here's my vid of him in a 1997 tourney I saw in-person: ruclips.net/video/Ibq-95Mh7ec/видео.html I sure enjoyed chatting with him after the match ended. He remembered a number of the long conversations we had in the practice room of that L.A. Elks Club venue back in the 1960s. A brilliant, likable man who's still missed by many of us who were so privileged to have known him.
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 thanks for sharing that. I always hoped that he was the man that he seemed to be. He was always so easy to root for because of his pleasant demeanor. I sure do miss the pool matches of the 70s and 80s.
I love the Ol pool videos of yesterday. Everyone had style. Now, they all look like robots shooting but damn they're all so good! Even the sound of the cue hitting the ball and hitting the pocket sounded different then... Thanks for the upload
You're quite welcome, Al. Glad you're enjoying them. Thanks for the comment. (Click on the colored pool ball logo to the left of this reply to choose from 40 more of my videos you'll enjoy.)
At this time in efrens life, there isn't a problem he can't solve! The best player in history in his prime! If his break is working you simply can't beat him. Safeties that would normally work on any other player doesn't work on him, you have to completely hid him because if he can see any of the ball, you're toast and even then if you leave the ball close to a rail you're still toast! No wonder he's every pro's favorite player!
Early Cuyler that's why I agree with Johnny Archer (who won a lot in the winner breaks format) when he said, "9-ball is more fair, and fun to watch when there's an alternate break." Efren showed in these matches how if he kept break, show was over, lol.
Ten years before this match, " Cesar Morales " came to the US. Since then, he has gained the respect and admiration of his fellow players with the sobriquet The Magician. An astonishing talent!
You are correct, James. Circa 1985 he played hundreds of challenge matches using that pseudonym "Cesar Morales" and cleaned out the best of the best in about nine different states. All of his hustler opponents and their backers went broke every time. He was virtually unbeatable and his real name and country of origin eventually emerged (he was always -- *fatally* -- presumed by opposing gamblers to be a visiting player from south of the Texas border and *_seemingly_* very lucky when made impossible shots at just the right moment). ~ Ray C.
Nick couldn't digest, "The Magician's magic", he would be eating his words now. We should appreciate Steve for his sportsmanship and Davenport for giving a great fight.
Dee: I totally agree, about Miz. I knew Steve for 25 years He passed away in 2006 much too young. We miss him greatly. His career and life are detailed here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Mizerak *And here's the famous beer commercial that made him (and pool) more widely recognized by the general, non-playing public:* ruclips.net/video/3tYL2Btxmjg/видео.html
. . . *_and his "worth" as the possibly the most decent, kind and humble man among all the world champions who ever played during the entire 172-year history of professional pool_*
as was mentioned, reyes plays billiards, too. i've seen him play 3-cushion, and he's plenty good. so no surprise he has such great control of cue ball. and he's SUCH a gret shooter when he needs to make a tough one. magician, for sure.
Steve Mizerak became Steve Mizery against Efren. But he's a class act and gracious in defeat. Buddy Hall always gave credit where it's due. Nick Varner on many occasions refuse to admit how great Efren is. People said Nick is a nice guy, but I sure know he's a sore loser.
Yes indeed, BB. That's why he was 3-time World Straight Pool Champion where both of those elements you cite are critical. He had a number of 300-ball exhibition runs *when he was still a teenager!* His early instructor in Elizabeth NJ? . . . _none other than _*_Willie Mosconi_*_ himself._ Willie said the Miz was his best student ever.
Andrew: You'll find many to your liking here on one of THE best annual listings of ALL those tourneys -- of varying sizes and prizes monies -- taking place regionally, nationally and internationally: www.azbilliards.com/calendar/ *_And thankfully, online you can watch the in-progress games, interviews, and results_* of most of them. ~ Ray C. For pool fans, the past for pool was wonderful, so is the present and future. Stay positive and keep playing yourself to whatever extent your health, eyesight, and time allows.
I realized how great was Efren when he was still young. He has nerve of still as shown in this pressure laden match. That makes him the greatest pool player of all time.Having 70 international titles is an inspiration for young players to strive .
As with all cue sports, it's also arguably *the most precise of sports* -- one in which scant millimeters regularly make the difference between a win and a loss.
Yes, Yuki, Efren is completely ambidextrous with that same stroke; he rarely has to use the bridge. His positional and shot making results are world-class level with either hand. *Willie Mosconi -- also ambidextrous -- often ran hundreds at his 14.1 exhibitions, playing opposite-handed. Very likely no other player will ever be capable of such a remarkable thing -- hundred-ball runs opposite-handed* .
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 I'm working on my ambidextrous shooting. I can shoot really well with both hands. Always been good with both hands in Pool. I just started learning and training properly recently. Bought a pool table, some training tools and labels and im planning on spending the next year training and learning and playing in the APA. I want to become a pro pool player, even if i don't make money doing it, it'll be a ton of fun learning.
Michael: (1) Be sure to install a shelf or fixture in your home table location that can rigidly hold a camcorder or smartphone to *frequently* record & review your vital solo-practice sessions. The camera is an objective observer (a coach of sorts) that will privately see (and upon play-back, "report" about) strengths & weaknesses in your alignment, aiming, eye-movement,stance, bridging, and all elements of your stroking, position play,and the quality of shot choices you make. (2) A very vital tip I always give to emerging players is to acquire -- very early -- the habit of closely *observing* your performances in practice and in competition rather than *judging* your performances. This is fundamental to augmenting your strengths and correcting your weaknesses. *The better your observational abilities for even the smallest details, the faster and more certain your progress* . (3) And every couple of years or so, you'll hugely benefit from travelling to any recognized professional pool instructor in your region for a paid assessment and upgrade to your skills. *Great instructors notice things that other people would miss* . (4) Having a multi-decades-long career as a pro player takes an extraordinary amount of courage, resilience, passion for the sport, and productive *obsession* -- to a degree that even the most talented emerging players can scarcely imagine. -- From your comments, Michael, it sounds like your passion, dedication and unmistakable love of our wonderful sport are already firmly established within you. I predict that you'll be very successful in reaching your goals. Let me know from time to time how you're progressing.
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 MY obsession with billiards starting at 14 when my mom would drop me off at school in the morning and I would spend an hour a day after school waiting for my mom at the Pool hall rather than the library. This is a lifelong thing to own a pool table for me. First time I've had the space, and the money, and the time to invest in it. So I am very excited.
I never appreciated "The Miz" until I concentrated on his stroke in this game. Great commentating in the set of games. Love to listen to Varrner as he walks thru these racks.
Kim is a year or 2 younger than myself and Efren is within 3 weeks my same age...... I remember both well.....Kim was such a tremendous player during those years.... Efren's longevity was amazing (I quit completely in 1997 and Efren was reaching his prime..... amazing guy)
Efren at age 67 is still playing at a world-class level when the wager appeals to him. *He has had the longest period of peak playing ability of any player in the entire 170-year history of professional billiards.*
Efren is completely ambidextrous with that same stroke; rarely has to use the bridge. His positional and shot making results are world-class level with either hand. *Willie Mosconi -- also ambidextrous -- often ran hundreds at his 14.1 exhibitions, playing opposite-handed. Very likely no other player will ever be capable of such a remarkable thing -- hundred-ball runs opposite-handed.*
It's funny how Davenport doesn't seem to have the same level of current recognition as so many others from that era. I don't seem to run across many of his matches but he definitely achieved a lot in his career.
@@nikoh2286 True. Just love his overall game though. Such a great thinker, such a cool head. Arguably the greatest safety player ever, particularly under pressure.
+nguyễn thành công agreed, altho him and busty tho, shortened/modified their strokes somewhat compared to back then. also, efren seems to play with a closer to standard length cue nowadays
*I totally agree. I knew Steve for 25 years He passed away in 2006 much too young. We miss him greatly. His career and life are detailed here:* en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Mizerak *And here's the famous beer commercial that made him (and pool) more widely recognized by the general, non-playing public:* ruclips.net/video/3tYL2Btxmjg/видео.html
Love watching Efren play - GOAT and everything he does is instructional to any observer. Cue ball control far and above everyone who plays the game. Even when he plays around the Philippines today, he just plays with his opponents and doesn't get far behind, but you can see when he "turns it on" and comes back to win. True sign of the greatest of all time.
Nice video. Kim, trying to cut+combo the 6-9-ball in at 1:52:47 was a major mistake. It didn't need to be cut at all. If he shot the 6-ball from the cued position straight through it would have one-railed, then clipped the 9-ball in and the game was over. The natural angle was already set. The only way to f'that shot up is how he played it. Tunnel vision is a biach.
Absolutely right, Paul. *All pro players and most 14.1 fans have made that same comment throughout Steve's entire playing career.* Hal Mix, a renowned "tune-up" coach to dozens of pro players (Varner, Davenport, etc.) once said that "only three pros in the world have [at that time period] a truly straight stroke . . . and Steve is one of them." (I have no personal knowledge of who he indicated as the other two.)
Iba ka tlga nung prime muh... kaso d naman permanente na bata ka lahat ay lumilipas ..pro ang mahalaga my isang efren bata reyes na nagbigay karangalan sa pilipinas ng maraming besis...champion ka tlga forever kahit hanggang ngaun nagiisa kah idol
Reyes said in a TAR interview, that if he could have one American player as a partner, it would be Nick Varner. And this is the first time I've heard a commentator acknowledge Reye's carom background, which unquestionably elevates his game.
@ray Carlton billiards do you know who the interpreture was to Reyes? Just wondering seen Reyes hand him the check he won so figured he must know him?
Byron: In 1988 Efren teamed up with long-time friend -- and very capable interpreter -- Rolando Vicente, his manager of many years. The relationship continues till the present.
❤ see
aww
😊
1:53:40 jjj
Efren is so fascinating to watch, so very good, very tough inside yet so humble. You can almost feel how mizerak squirm inside for all the expert defensive play of efren. Good video. Thanks.
Armando: Miz -- a three-time World 14.1 champion and BCA Hall of Fame inductee -- never once squirmed during his entire world-class playing career . . . *no matter who the opponent was.* He and Efren respected each other enormously.
Everything on the line for Efren at 2:10:00 when he fires a length of the table shot at the 5 ball in the corner pocket. Not only does he make it with perfect shape but the speed he pocketed that ball was such that if I were playing it would be necessary to investigate and examine the right hand pocket for damage before my next shot. In his prime Efren is the strongest player I've ever seen or hope to see and his power left him on his break shot in later years but during his prime he really sledged the rack with strong power when he needed to. Strickland, in the game of 9 ball was his equal or slightly better. But Efren was a multiple champion at One Pocket, Eight Ball, and Carom Billiards. I feel so lucky to have witnessed this man play in my lifetime.
@@BladeRunner-td8be I agree, matches between Strickland & Reyes were a dream to watch, I’ve always admired Strickland game, after each semi-retired from competitive pool, they became friends and respected each after a long hard fought career, titans of the game I only wish I had 0.01% of their game
I love these old matches! Thanks a lot for uploading, mr. Carlton.
There may be no prettier sight in the history of pocket billiards than watching Efren Reyes in full stroke. Doesn’t matter who this version of “Bata” is playing.
*THE* perfect comment, Boyd! Couldn't agree more, as would any lifelong fan and player of our mutually beloved sport. It's worth noting that hands-down, *Efren has had the longest period of peak skills of any player in the 170-year history of professional billiards* . For more pool beauty (perfection actually) simply watch this video (link below) from beginning to end:
ruclips.net/video/PYGYGrChn5A/видео.html
then give a reply here after watching it.* The skill displayed in this flawless 1992 performance was widely acknowledged by contemporary pool experts as a very rare display of perfect pool. I was lucky enough to have been in the NYC audience for it.
Total agreement
Would like to see him and Ronnie O’Sullivan play straight pool.
I cant stop smiling this is amazing
@@raycarltonbilliards5798pp00lpp😊😊pp😊.
Loved d attitude of Mr Mezerak, such a good sport, cool person!
These videos of Efren playing in the 90's are a gem. This was the time when he was at his prime. We will never see another player play at the highest level like efren does. One of the greatest to ever play the game, if not the greatest.
I know this is almost 30 years ago, but I forgot just how much I love watching Steve Mizerak play, and how good he really was back then.
Its like watching Botticelli paint.
Or listening to Mozart compose music.
I love watching these older 9-ball matches.
Thanks for posting this beautifully expressed (and accurate) comment. Everyone who knew Steve dearly misses him. He and I would often trade amusing back-East NYC pool scene stories we both howled about. Hustles and heartaches. ~ Ray C.
The main guy has to be the best host I've ever seen in any sporting event. He keeps things moving along so well. Great rapport, great respect for everyone, good humor, etc.
A spot-on observation, PZ and very well described. Thanks for the positive and accurate comment. Glad you enjoyed the proceedings and the warmth and color he added. He (Tom Kelly) had a long career hosting major golf tournaments and was much beloved for his ever-present unique style, golf knowledge, collegiality and friendliness. He passed away two years ago.
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 Yes, Tom Kelly was also the USC Trojans football play by play man and also did boxing and a lot of other sports. A very versatile and likable sports broadcaster.
What a joy to watch Mizerak and Efren! I've seen Efren play many matches, but rarely ever got to see The Miz play. Efren was a force to be reckoned with back then. Still is in my opinion.
Thank you for this match. I went to high school with Steve Mizerack in 1962.
As you'll already know, Gary, he was a very beloved school teacher back in Jersey for a few of his adult years.
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 , He certainly has a nice smile and seems to enjoy it all whatever happens.
So very rare for a young man to acquire skills to this level and remain humble and focused, which let's you learn and dominate and eventually rise to legendary magical moments.
I'm an old geezer; haven't played in 50 years, never at this level but I spent a lot of time in pool halls in my raucus youth. Watching this match, besides being amazing, brought back good memories. This will sound corny, but I like these people; the players, the commentators, the referee (we used to call him the game master, I think), these are all nice people. There was not a negative word spoken by anybody in this two hour video. Pool halls back in the 50s and 60s in the USA were considered a bit low-brow, habited by shady characters (like me). Maybe that's why I liked them so much. Thanks so much for posting this. Oh, Reyes was unbelievable, and Steve Mizerak took it like a gentleman. Bravo.
Many thanks, Michael for starting 2022 off with a comment like that which so thoroughly radiates healthful positivity. I vote you "Man of the New Year!"
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 Thank you so much for your vote, it came at a moment when I really need badly. Thank you and keep posting your great videos.
This is one of the cleanest position pool matches I've ever seen.....the kind of pool that makes an amateur viewer think the game is easy.
The Dunning-Krüger effect.
One knows not how much he doesn't know about something until one learns more about it.
Este si es juego los 2 muy buenos
Nice! The Miz! Not enough of his playing on the internet! Thanks!
Love these old videos. Thank you
Welcome aboard, FLRaider, and I'm glad you're enjoying. Many thanks for the comment and your kind words.
*
I had the great fortune to do a 'shootaround' with The Miz years ago before he passed on. RIP Steve you were the greatest in your time.
Would have been more impressive if you had done a shootaround after he had passed on.
Man the magician is truly magical with a pool stick .I remember watching all of his matches as a kid and he is a big reason I love the game of pool .
Great to hear those kinds of comments, Kelly. Efren is not only a pool genius, but such a decent, wholesome man. I've known him for more than 30 years. He's a wonderful role model for young and older folks alike, and for emerging players everywhere. Pool players of all ages around the world (and millions of non-players too) all love Efren. His skills, sportsmanship and unmistakable human kindness dazzle everyone. *He has inspired more players to begin playing our wonderful sport, than any player in the 170-year history of professional pool.*
I remember The Miz referring to this match in the prologue for the Reyes - Rempe match, that happened a year later. Finally I can watch it! Thanks for uploading.
It’s so pleasing to watch poetry in motion, Efren makes that cue ball sing to his tune, I love watching his matches even though I’ve seen them before, it’s one I haven’t
Nice post, Noel -- *_sincere, positive, and very charmingly written_* I'm glad you're enjoying the videos. ~ Ray C.
Thank you so much for the video. Not being born on those prime years of Efren but I at least have watched this magnificent match againts Mizerak.
Thanks for the appreciate feedback, Kev. Click on the colored balls logo to the left
Varner and Hall have to be two of the straight up chaps of this game. Hats off to those gentlemen
Ray, your videos are pure gold. Appreciate you uploading all of these.
Thank you for taking the time to send those kind words, Riley. I''m very pleased that you're enjoying all the videos. Makes my time and archiving efforts worthwhile. Nice to give something back to our beloved sport that has been giving me *many decades of pleasure in playing it regularly, and while watching champions playing it with astonishing skill and confidence* .
One of the best matches i've watched ever, can't wait to see who wins....
Glad you're enjoying/have enjoyed it, Phil. Thanks for the comment.
*
1994 thru 1996 last years of normalcy, best years of Hollywood. People still smoked in bars, restaurants, at work and on airplanes. Kids bikes outside friends houses, playing outside was normal. If I could I'd be willing to get "groundhog day" stuck there and I don't smoke nor ever did.
Yeah, everything has gotten weirder and weirder ever since.
Such a class act- both players here. Much more enjoyable to watch as a fan than some other players who talk too much. The respect is palpable. Thank you for uploading this classic match!!!
Glad you enjoyed it, BH. Thanks for the kind words.
*
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 I very much do enjoy the vids I've seen from you and will watch the others!! Thanks again for sharing both the videos and your knowledge !
Indeed. No pretense, no swagger, just two great players who let their cues do the talking.
Miz made Efrin shoot his best game. Miz was a great player and he let his health hurt that. Magnificent breaks.
Its fun watching 2 of the Greats, not just great but both men are classy Players.
Efren is a very simple player, plays and enjoys watching young and old to play with after his coffee in the morning. He plays at his friend's billard place, a very humble place at his hometown.
Enjoyable to read & visualize. Thanks for posting this up-to-date information, Liz. ~ Ray C.
Efren Reyes is a legendary pool player. Also a very humble and good spirited person too, would be an honor for any pool shark to play against him in a championship.
Thanks so much for posting this.
Appreciate the kind words, Paul. Glad you enjoyed it.
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Davenport is a great player. Efren plays with a great tempo & his stroke is just beautiful. Davenport shooting that 6-9 combo so hard was uncharacteristic of him. Davenport as you can see has a different tempo & style. He is very effective & beating Johnny Archer ain’t no easy task. Great match from almost 30 years ago.
Excellent appraisal, Nautique. Thx for posting. ~ Ray C.
You could tell by the way Kim was aiming he was going to miss, he aimed it like he was going to make the 6 instead of cutting the 9 in. It definitely didn’t help him blasting it into outer space lol
bravo to the MIZ for being a good sport and a true gentleman of the game!!!
Like Mezerak's professionalism..., it is a pleasure of watching this game.
Miz had a great sense of humor after a rough defeat. 😊
thanks for combining in this video the games of efren with Mitz and efren vs davenfort enjoyed the games. congrats to efren.
Glad you enjoyed it all, Anita. Thanks the pleasant comment.
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 ok clicked it
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Enjoy watching these matches. Thanks Ray!
I appreciate the commentator Tom. He didn't come across as a know it all. He deferred to the professionals and I love that. It takes a lot to do that. His commentary is very colorful.
Clemond: Tom Kelly was primarily a leading golf and football commentator for various networks and very popular for those sports. Prime recruited him for their Pro Tour pool coverage. Tom was only a hobby-level pool player, but an excellent golfer. Here he essentially served as a non-expert surrogate for the home viewing audience with lesser pool experience, *_and asking many innocent questions they might_* and deserved easy to understand answers as to what was going on in certain situations . Sponsors rightfully appreciated his colorful -- as you've noted -- presence in that role . Golf coverage often has a lot of dramatic language . . . pool not so much, as is appropriate. Sad to report Tom passed away five years ago after a long illness.
Another great youtube...being real and honest. Love the way you started the vidio. Im just turning 60 and live alone, Ive been in 2 relationships in my life, and still beleive in true love. I feel, happy alone. I though about what will happen when i go, and having a will is a good idea, and a clean house lol. Keep active and doing new things. I so love your vidios, honesty...caught my attention!
I grew up watching Miz. I sure wish that he could have gotten his health under control before it was too late. I really loved that guy and enjoy seeing his old matches, even when he came out on the losing end. Of course, there is Reyes; what can one say?
What *one can say* is that one player has nothing to do with the other* except for the very important commonality that they were/are both BCA Hall of Fame inductees for all the right reasons. In the entire 170-year history of pool only 81 pool notables have that honor -- 75% of them as national or world-class players champions.*I totally agree about Steve. I knew him for 25 years. As you know he passed away in 2006, much too young. His career and life are well detailed here:* en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Mizerak
I was one of a rotating crew of L.A.-residing volunteer scorekeepers for most of the 1960s - early '70s years that Fred Whalen held his annual US Invitational 14.1 Championships at the huge downtown Los Angeles Elks Club. I score-kept many of Steve's matches. *He was very fit and in his early twenties then* and a supremely talented 14.1 master with many *300-plus exhibition runs* in his *teenage* years! . A nicer guy you couldn't find, and he went on to dominate Straight Pool for several of his prime years. Here's my vid of him in a 1997 tourney I saw in-person: ruclips.net/video/Ibq-95Mh7ec/видео.html I sure enjoyed chatting with him after the match ended. He remembered a number of the long conversations we had in the practice room of that L.A. Elks Club venue back in the 1960s. A brilliant, likable man who's still missed by many of us who were so privileged to have known him.
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 thanks for sharing that. I always hoped that he was the man that he seemed to be. He was always so easy to root for because of his pleasant demeanor. I sure do miss the pool matches of the 70s and 80s.
I love the Ol pool videos of yesterday. Everyone had style. Now, they all look like robots shooting but damn they're all so good! Even the sound of the cue hitting the ball and hitting the pocket sounded different then... Thanks for the upload
You're quite welcome, Al. Glad you're enjoying them. Thanks for the comment. (Click on the colored pool ball logo to the left of this reply to choose from 40 more of my videos you'll enjoy.)
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 Trust me... I've seen them all. Been playing for about 25 years 👍☺
I really love this channel
Always pleasurable to read that, Tanner. Thx for kindly posting. ~ Ray C.
I would have given anything to watch Mosconi and Reyes play!
Great match. Man Mizz had a smooth stroke. Counting down 12 more weeks to go until my 💎 pro am arrives. Can't wait!
Excellent table choice. As Earl once said:
"They tell the truth on every shot."
Great matches. Thanks for the upload !
Glad you like them, Universe guy.
Its really something else. Eren at 70 is ridiculous to watch. This is just poetry.
thanks for this .Efren Reyes the pride of the Philippines ❤
Reyes was flawless, just incredible. Back at this time he was almost invincible.
AngrierGorilla absolutely, anybody leave him a window of opportunity, he would capitalize. I love this era of pool.
Reyes in his prime
He's a lot better now.
@@TAXCOLLECTOR-mx3mg with pain on his shoulder and 60 above old, yes, still best player on the world
Efren don't want to win
Efren Reyes great control on cue ball makes him the greatest pool player on planet Earth....LIVING LEGEND
Missing that combo is tough. And that left handed cut by Reyes is total magic.
At this time in efrens life, there isn't a problem he can't solve! The best player in history in his prime! If his break is working you simply can't beat him. Safeties that would normally work on any other player doesn't work on him, you have to completely hid him because if he can see any of the ball, you're toast and even then if you leave the ball close to a rail you're still toast! No wonder he's every pro's favorite player!
Early Cuyler that's why I agree with Johnny Archer (who won a lot in the winner breaks format) when he said, "9-ball is more fair, and fun to watch when there's an alternate break." Efren showed in these matches how if he kept break, show was over, lol.
Ten years before this match, " Cesar Morales " came to the US. Since then, he has gained the respect and admiration of his fellow players with the sobriquet The Magician. An astonishing talent!
You are correct, James. Circa 1985 he played hundreds of challenge matches using that pseudonym "Cesar Morales" and cleaned out the best of the best in about nine different states. All of his hustler opponents and their backers went broke every time. He was virtually unbeatable and his real name and country of origin eventually emerged (he was always -- *fatally* -- presumed by opposing gamblers to be a visiting player from south of the Texas border and *_seemingly_* very lucky when made impossible shots at just the right moment). ~ Ray C.
Thanks for posting this! PURE GOLD!
You're welcome; glad you're enjoying the vids.
Very enjoyable,,, thank you 🙏
Glad you liked it, Fred. Thanks for the feedback.
Nick couldn't digest, "The Magician's magic", he would be eating his words now. We should appreciate Steve for his sportsmanship and Davenport for giving a great fight.
My first time watching misrack .. I like his style of play
Mizerak is one good guy with great sense of humor... ;)
Great upload! Please post more old school Efren matches if ya got 'em!
Awesome video, miz post match humor during the interview shows what a class act he was. Rip. Efren is next level, had to be very intimidating to face.
Dee: I totally agree, about Miz. I knew Steve for 25 years He passed away in 2006 much too young. We miss him greatly.
His career and life are detailed here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Mizerak
*And here's the famous beer commercial that made him (and pool) more widely recognized by the general, non-playing public:*
ruclips.net/video/3tYL2Btxmjg/видео.html
EFREN "BATA" REYES, HAD PROVEN HIS WORTH AS A BILLIARD PLAYER DURING HIS PRIME. I BELIEVE NOBODY CAN QUESTION HIS WORTH.
. . . *_and his "worth" as the possibly the most decent, kind and humble man among all the world champions who ever played during the entire 172-year history of professional pool_*
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 That is certainly a part of his greatness in my book.
as was mentioned, reyes plays billiards, too. i've seen him play 3-cushion, and he's plenty good. so no surprise he has such great control of cue ball. and he's SUCH a gret shooter when he needs to make a tough one. magician, for sure.
*I totally agree, Van. Excellent observations about Efren. Tyvm*
Steve Mizerak became Steve Mizery against Efren. But he's a class act and gracious in defeat. Buddy Hall always gave credit where it's due. Nick Varner on many occasions refuse to admit how great Efren is. People said Nick is a nice guy, but I sure know he's a sore loser.
To me Nick Varner is more like a pool room hustler
Effren is brilliant to watch
Mizerak - Incredible stroke and positioning.
Yes indeed, BB. That's why he was 3-time World Straight Pool Champion where both of those elements you cite are critical. He had a number of 300-ball exhibition runs *when he was still a teenager!* His early instructor in Elizabeth NJ? . . . _none other than _*_Willie Mosconi_*_ himself._ Willie said the Miz was his best student ever.
thats awesome when efren misses doesnt show angry frustration just a nice smile.
I'd smile if I only missed once a day.
When Efren was unbelievable with both hands. Missing a shot was unheard of, in the ZONE.
Efren is in pool what Ronnie O'Sullivan is in snooker. Super talents with extreme skill and both great guys.
Kim Davenport is such an underrated player, he's such an amazing player
I watched his videos from the sands regent in late 80s he was a great 9 ball player
Never heard of him/her.
Thanks, have enjoyed watching
I wish they still did big tournaments like this. With Interviews and all that. They don't do this stuff any.ore
Andrew: You'll find many to your liking here on one of THE best annual listings of ALL those tourneys -- of varying sizes and prizes monies -- taking place regionally, nationally and internationally: www.azbilliards.com/calendar/ *_And thankfully, online you can watch the in-progress games, interviews, and results_* of most of them. ~ Ray C. For pool fans, the past for pool was wonderful, so is the present and future. Stay positive and keep playing yourself to whatever extent your health, eyesight, and time allows.
Masa muda Efren Reyes kece kali
nice upload thanks...good to see classic pool.
Thanks for this.
Glad you enjoyed it, Koko. Thanks for the comment.
*
I realized how great was Efren when he was still young. He has nerve of still as shown in this pressure laden match. That makes him the greatest pool player of all time.Having 70 international titles is an inspiration for young players to strive .
tombulasok51 cxdc
Watching Efrens' games the past years he is really good, never watch thoe games before.
No doubt about it, Efren is the greatest player in the world!
Thank you gentlemen. Pool is the best game in sports.
As with all cue sports, it's also arguably *the most precise of sports* -- one in which scant millimeters regularly make the difference between a win and a loss.
Thank"s Ray for postings this video possible
You're very welcome, RB. Glad you're enjoying.
*
Efren can play both right and left hands. Truly a genius.
Yes, Yuki, Efren is completely ambidextrous with that same stroke; he rarely has to use the bridge. His positional and shot making results are world-class level with either hand. *Willie Mosconi -- also ambidextrous -- often ran hundreds at his 14.1 exhibitions, playing opposite-handed. Very likely no other player will ever be capable of such a remarkable thing -- hundred-ball runs opposite-handed* .
Just like R. O'Sullivan, a genius too.
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 I'm working on my ambidextrous shooting. I can shoot really well with both hands. Always been good with both hands in Pool. I just started learning and training properly recently. Bought a pool table, some training tools and labels and im planning on spending the next year training and learning and playing in the APA. I want to become a pro pool player, even if i don't make money doing it, it'll be a ton of fun learning.
Michael:
(1) Be sure to install a shelf or fixture in your home table location that can rigidly hold a camcorder or smartphone to *frequently* record & review your vital solo-practice sessions. The camera is an objective observer (a coach of sorts) that will privately see (and upon play-back, "report" about) strengths & weaknesses in your alignment, aiming, eye-movement,stance, bridging, and all elements of your stroking, position play,and the quality of shot choices you make.
(2) A very vital tip I always give to emerging players is to acquire -- very early -- the habit of closely *observing* your performances in practice and in competition rather than *judging* your performances. This is fundamental to augmenting your strengths and correcting your weaknesses. *The better your observational abilities for even the smallest details, the faster and more certain your progress* .
(3) And every couple of years or so, you'll hugely benefit from travelling to any recognized professional pool instructor in your region for a paid assessment and upgrade to your skills. *Great instructors notice things that other people would miss* .
(4) Having a multi-decades-long career as a pro player takes an extraordinary amount of courage, resilience, passion for the sport, and productive *obsession* -- to a degree that even the most talented emerging players can scarcely imagine.
-- From your comments, Michael, it sounds like your passion, dedication and unmistakable love of our wonderful sport are already firmly established within you. I predict that you'll be very successful in reaching your goals. Let me know from time to time how you're progressing.
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 MY obsession with billiards starting at 14 when my mom would drop me off at school in the morning and I would spend an hour a day after school waiting for my mom at the Pool hall rather than the library. This is a lifelong thing to own a pool table for me. First time I've had the space, and the money, and the time to invest in it. So I am very excited.
I never appreciated "The Miz" until I concentrated on his stroke in this game. Great commentating in the set of games. Love to listen to Varrner as he walks thru these racks.
Appreciate the greats!!! Thanks ☺️
We all appreciate them, BB, don't we.
Great humor, Mr davenport
Kim is a year or 2 younger than myself and Efren is within 3 weeks my same age...... I remember both well.....Kim was such a tremendous player during those years.... Efren's longevity was amazing (I quit completely in 1997 and Efren was reaching his prime..... amazing guy)
Efren at age 67 is still playing at a world-class level when the wager appeals to him. *He has had the longest period of peak playing ability of any player in the entire 170-year history of professional billiards.*
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 lol..... I believe you ...... and Rempe said he had a goofy stroke..... lol .... seems to work pretty well
Efren is completely ambidextrous with that same stroke; rarely has to use the bridge. His positional and shot making results are world-class level with either hand. *Willie Mosconi -- also ambidextrous -- often ran hundreds at his 14.1 exhibitions, playing opposite-handed. Very likely no other player will ever be capable of such a remarkable thing -- hundred-ball runs opposite-handed.*
It's funny how Davenport doesn't seem to have the same level of current recognition as so many others from that era. I don't seem to run across many of his matches but he definitely achieved a lot in his career.
Miss seeing matches played on Brunswick tables.
Efren's offensive game is great, but his safes and kicks are the best. He has no weaknesses and answers any challenge. Just phenomenal.
William Taylor
His break is weaker than many great players
@@nikoh2286 True. Just love his overall game though. Such a great thinker, such a cool head. Arguably the greatest safety player ever, particularly under pressure.
i noticed that Bata has the same style after all these years, the way he moves, smiles and plays, of course he was thinner and faster back then,
+nguyễn thành công agreed, altho him and busty tho, shortened/modified their strokes somewhat compared to back then. also, efren seems to play with a closer to standard length cue nowadays
Some ppl can’t even play this good on a phone app
guilty here! LOL!
😂😂 man! You nailed it
Played Miz in 78 in Houston. Buffalo Billiards. 9 call
Steve is such a good player, and very polite player, just feel sorry about his back.
*I totally agree. I knew Steve for 25 years He passed away in 2006 much too young. We miss him greatly.
His career and life are detailed here:* en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Mizerak
*And here's the famous beer commercial that made him (and pool) more widely recognized by the general, non-playing public:*
ruclips.net/video/3tYL2Btxmjg/видео.html
The Miz was nice. Smooth. A plethora of hand eye coordination...
I just turned 70 n I'd love to meet him before I die I too shoot pool he's the king 👑
@@SheikhaSarah2010 god damn it karen!
Love watching Efren play - GOAT and everything he does is instructional to any observer. Cue ball control far and above everyone who plays the game. Even when he plays around the Philippines today, he just plays with his opponents and doesn't get far behind, but you can see when he "turns it on" and comes back to win. True sign of the greatest of all time.
Mizerak was a good sportsman.... he can smiles and even give jokes while losing.... 👍👍👍
I found myself cheering against Efren. The Miz played really well but Efren was untouchable.
Nice video. Kim, trying to cut+combo the 6-9-ball in at 1:52:47 was a major mistake. It didn't need to be cut at all. If he shot the 6-ball from the cued position straight through it would have one-railed, then clipped the 9-ball in and the game was over. The natural angle was already set. The only way to f'that shot up is how he played it. Tunnel vision is a biach.
It sure is amazing watching these guys shoot! Just once, I would love to play these guys. What an honor that would be!
Mizerak's stroke is marvelous - soft yet...blessings to all
Absolutely right, Paul. *All pro players and most 14.1 fans have made that same comment throughout Steve's entire playing career.* Hal Mix, a renowned "tune-up" coach to dozens of pro players (Varner, Davenport, etc.) once said that "only three pros in the world have [at that time period] a truly straight stroke . . . and Steve is one of them." (I have no personal knowledge of who he indicated as the other two.)
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
Iba ka tlga nung prime muh... kaso d naman permanente na bata ka lahat ay lumilipas ..pro ang mahalaga my isang efren bata reyes na nagbigay karangalan sa pilipinas ng maraming besis...champion ka tlga forever kahit hanggang ngaun nagiisa kah idol
totally agree Efren "bata" Reyes the Magician the GOAT in this Sport!!!!
Efren Reyes is "The GOAT"
Yes, but Shannon is The Cannon. :`)
Reyes said in a TAR interview, that if he could have one American player as a partner, it would be Nick Varner.
And this is the first time I've heard a commentator acknowledge Reye's carom background, which unquestionably elevates his game.
Reyes also respects Sigel and Strickland a lot. The few players who can keep up with him
5:46 Incredibly hard shot to hit it that slow with english.
That's the best of Efren Reyes! Period .
Son los mejores me gusta verlos😊
1:00:10 one of the best moments ever , IN LIFE
Great win Efren the Magician!!! YAY!!! RIP Tom Kelly