The match is a race to 2 out of 3 sets, with a race to 8 in each set. Winner prize is $200,000 --- largest in pool history; second place money is $100,000.
poor Mike no lay ups, L.J.J. and the other commentator make it sound like Efren isn't shooting hard shots, high pressure $200,000 match every shot is difficult, Mike is just like E. Strickland talks to much, Efren says nothing he just kicks a** and smiles, I like that
I was so annoyed listening to these announcers, saying he had all easy shots etc. the reality is that his queue ball control was phenomenal and barely made any mistakes
Why am i still watching this at 3am in the morning when i have a meeting at 9:30? But goddamn. The sheer humility and lovable character of Reyes is so pleasing to watch
I've known Efren for more than 30 years and can personally tell you that he has no equal for a lifetime of being gentlemanly, fair, humble, and respectful of other pros and spectators always -- meanwhile playing with unearthly skill and the imagination and vision of a true genius. *A humble genius -- that's a category of genius rarely seen in world history*. Such a decent, wholesome man. 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 probably has inspired more players to begin playing our wonderful sport, than any player in the 170-year history of professional billiards*.
What is so amazing about Efren is that he is so humble. Its extremely rare in today's world that someone with his dominating skills and talent can remain so calm, respectful and humble. What a admirable person he is. I wish this game was more popular so that today's youth could have a role model like him to shape their outlook on sportsman ship and life!
He is such a great man, and obviously a truly great player in a class all by himself. If you want to watch some outstanding Efren pool, go check out any of Jefgalung videos of him playing all comers in PI. He plays normally - kind of just horsing around - until he gets behind and close, then the "Real Efren" comes out and the man just can do no wrong and beats the opponent. I've watched a bunch of them and I believe he's actually lost one set, like out of 30-40.
I believe that "efren reyes" is the greatest pool master in the world, he make the impossible to possible. They didn't calling him a magician for nothing. As a Filipino i am so proud of him.
I think it's amazing how this video was put out 5 years ago yet the person who published it is still replying to comments and concerns of his viewers to this day. Much respect.
Mike's strategy is shoot his mouth and distract the opponents non stop. It didn't work out on Efren, To think, Efren was tired before the tournament, he played ten games in two days and a very hard 4th round in the semis.
Good and actually profound sentiment, Gabriel. Except for certain occupations -- airline pilots, heart and brain surgeons, maternity ward nurses, radiologists -- we don't want those humans smiling and laughing thru their mistakes. We all agree on that, I'm sure.
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 Oh that's true, I was more talking about our mistakes in our daily lives at home, not feeling that heavy pressure all the time. Being at ease and realising that mistakes are part of life. I do agree that these people would never laugh about that
I don't play so much pool but each time i get to watch Mr Effren, i get inspired to be better at whatever I do. His humility crowns it all. Such a wonder and a joy to watch. . . And then, he didn't forget to thank everyone. ♥
Millions of players worldwide of all skill levels have -- and continue to -- agree with your very well expressed sentiments. Thanks for posting that, Tokuna.
Siegel displays poor form - dreadful execution of shots, talking continuously whilst an opponent is shooting (lucky for him Efren is so easy going), crying after his shots , almost ‘begging’ the crowd for sympathy. Considering Siegel is supposed to be a world class player, this ‘exhibition’ is pathetic!!
They're mic'd up, Efren can't hear him muttering in his corner. But his talking at the table is just his style. Other than that this match was not a good representation of his skills lol, very unlike him. He looked shell shocked after that first set, never able to get going. Don't think he ever recovered.
I live in central América and I bet 85% of the people from here loves soccer, however I'm sure anybody could get in love with pool just by watching how Efren Reyes used to play and how humble he is.
I been watching other youtube clips of Reyes and one commentator said it best - "I can play against Reyes just about as good as anyone...seeing how you can never get off your chair". Lol. I thought that summed up the magic of this player the best.
In many others, this might have sounded like false modesty. (Who after all believes he got lucky?) Yet one does get the feeling that Reyes is genuinely modest.
What is incredible about Efren Reyes is how much he has put up with Mike Sigel's talking through the game. His humbleness makes him more than a Champion. He has God's spirit.
Aaron: The significant thing to know is that Efren *_was not aggravated by it at all._* For this interesting reason: *Troubled grumbling by the opponent _ is the sound of music_ to a seasoned, and totally shark-proof high-stakes player. That "music" means a win is guaranteed and that's why Efren just smiles at it.* Efren, since age 16 had at this point been in high stakes action for 35 years -- winning an incredible 90% of his matches for his backers. You don't accomplish that if your concentration is fragile, vulnerable to sounds and intentional, visible misbehaving around you. especially in one of the most precise of all sports, where bare millimeters make the difference.
feels like the commentators were so biased for Mike. And Efren was getting so-called "lay ups" because he was manufacturing those shots. His cue ball control is ridiculous!
Siegel you were the only the king..But the King cannot be matched with the Magician which is the toughest player to beat because he has all the shots that you wouldn't imagine and that is why Reyes is untouchable in pool!
My uncle said that Efren doesn't believe in luck he believes in his hard work. He said that efren sleep on a billiard table way back and live in the billiard club during his youth and he knows it because he's always with him before he studied every move and angle how he can move the ball. It's a lot of work and no aching joke.
DJ: All professional pool players greatly admire Efren, and they often quote Efren's very witty comment about luck: *"The more I practice, the luckier I get"* .
lol so damn true....played it a week ago first time and my god i'm HOOKED....even thinking to buy a pool table so i could play while watching this magician reyes
I've known Efren for more than 30 years and can personally tell you that he has no equal for a lifetime of being gentlemanly, fair, humble, and respectful of other pros and spectators always -- meanwhile playing with unearthly skill and the imagination and vision of a true genius. *A humble genius -- that's a category of genius rarely seen in world history.* Such a decent, wholesome man. 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 probably has inspired more players to begin playing our wonderful sport, than any player in recent history.*
I really like how the publisher of this video puts so much effort in answering the comments. I know almost nothing about pool besides casually playing sometimes, but his detailed answers make my life just a tad bit easier.
Thanks for the kind words, Wastery. To paraphrase the decades-old saying: "Flattery will get you everywhere." (The original tongue-in-cheek film dialogue had it as "Flattery will get you nowhere.")
I have a feeling that Efren is breaking like that on purpose, on a consistent basis to throw Mike off. He makes it look like it's by accident, but he's doing it on all his breaks. Coincidence? No, it's Mr. Reyes putting you in a hole you can't dig yourself out of.
Exactly right, Jomai. Efren is so shrewd and so smart that he quickly grasped how badly *hyper-nervous* Mike was playing; he is then able to cleverly (and unnoticeably) take just enough power off his 8-ball break so that he not only doesn't leave a shot . . . but leaves so many clusters that there are also no viable safeties!! *In other words he leaves a table that only he can navigate well enough to win.* This is an *opponent-rattling technique* well known to high-stakes gamblers (like Efren) and most top road players. It doesn't work in games like 9-ball where there are far fewer balls crowding the table after the break.
That smile that Reyes sneaks in translates to "You Done Son," but seriously, both men had great respect for each other and the game. Real professionals.
22:00 -- "mike knows he's ready... he just needs a chance" but he had several chances. Efren is simply on another level. Mike is incredibly skilled but it's wrong to act like Efren did anything but whoop him here -- both players, talented, but Efren is one in a million. Great vid!
EV: Top sports coaches and sports physiologists of any sport always stress to their students the major psychological difference between being "prepared" and being "ready". Your training, rigorous practice sessions and years of possessing advanced skills get you well *"prepared"* for a given event, but being *ready* is entirely *mental and emotional* . . . and those two elements usually make the significant difference in the outcome on any given day during any major *one-on-one* sports event.
The commentators were trapped in a *very tough, unenviable situation* that was rapidly going sideways with the vast disparity in the players' respective performances -- (Efren's compared to Mike's). The issue of apparent commentator bias has come up before, but they really had few workable options as the tapes were rolling and the match had to proceed, and seem to live up to the advance publicity. I'll explain the impossible situation the commentators were in (if we honestly visualize the situation from a TV production/business point of view). But first we have to give credit to the promoter/producer for coming up with the unusual, intriguing KOTH concept for this round-robin pro tournament and putting the potentially quite exciting event together (producer Kevin is the center commentator in the booth). Sigel had been playing wonderfully during his days of practicing just prior to the on-camera event - continually running 6 and 7 racks of 8-ball with ease and dazzling onlookers. But his universally respected, world-class game *just didn’t show up on game day* as sometimes happens to any pro. And as we’ve all experienced, when you’re playing badly, the pool-gods’ rolls seem to get even worse. Mike was clearly frustrated, and pertinent to your post (regarding perceived bias) -- think of the bewildering, embarrassing position the promoter and his two co-commentators were left with: How to (via rationalizations) convey to audiences, the pro player guests, broadcast executives (and not least -- the many sponsors) that while the event was indeed so unexpectedly *going sideways* (major performance disparities), the initial concept was quite valid and worth promoting it to the max, and worth doing so for planned future embodiments of the KOTH concept. Explanatory excuses and well-intentioned justifications are generally all the arsenal that any reasonable commentators are usually left with when any kind of sporting events or concert performances break down. We’ve all seen and paid to be at events that turned out to be sub-par, but far more discomforting is the commentating task/predicament of having to smooth things over as diplomatically as possible while the wheels are coming off. That’s the pickle in which the commentators were caught. They had a variety of programming and product-image obligations to consider in this case, and the treading-of-water to make the best of it, while inevitably coming off as “biased” commentary,arose simply from an unenviable need to put the best face on things. Goes with the territory naturally, but let’s admit - this was a very awkward position for anyone on-mic to be in, I think we’d all agree.
I hugely admire anyone on the Internet, who -- like yourself -- is secure and mature enough to state that additional situational facts have shed new light for them, and have appreciatively enacted a clear, more dimensioned view of an easily misunderstood issue. So, I in turn, readily thank you for your reply.
Actually a lot of it was not his fault, as you cannot control where all the balls go especially on a break. He got a lot of bad breaks after breaks and missed shots but sometimes that is just how it goes. Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you get unlucky.
Yeah that is true, but also luck and bad luck do play a role as even Efren hits bad shots and misses just like the rest. No one can play perfectly every shot, eventually mistakes happen and from the build up of pressure. I also do the same thing when I play as I am a great safety player if I do not have a good shot, I am able to play a safety where I do not leave my opponent a shot or a good one, and much like Mike this can make some very antsy and frustrated, and then rush shots or hammer the balls out of frustration. But I would say that Efren is the best overall at all of that and keeping his composure and making hard shots for his opponent on his safeties. Mike is a hyper, and fast player and also has a temper so Efren can mess with him more.
Efrén Reyes is a legend, one of the best pool players in the World. I was lucky enough to witness 6 of his games back in Los Angeles in the 90`s. Lots of impossible shots but he made it looks very easy.
Sometimes our greatest battle is against ourselves...What gives Effren the edge outside his Skills is His Mind...He has Such a powerful mind and never let his emotions get the best part of him in crucial times...Mike definitely lost on that part
Reyes is an absolute legend and he earned every bit of it. It's great to see someone who has spent so much of his life working for something finally take home the big prize and the title.
I don't follow pool and honestly had never heard of Mike Sigel. I have seen numerous videos of Efren Reyes making incredible shot after shot. Watching this match I got the impression Mike, in addition to being a great player (based on the comments of how many titles he has won) is also a showman, playing to the crowd. Efren, on the other hand is a head down, deadly accurate, get the job done shooter.
My wife Filipina, she's always remind me about him and Pachio being the greatest ,I am jamaican and I always remind her about Usain Bolt and Bob Marley being the greatest, but it's all fun ,we from 2 poor countries with these legends who famous all over the world.
God when Mike started making that comeback I was dying inside. We all know a Mike at the pool hall. A guy who has to explain everytime he misses and god forbid he makes it he will tell you how great he is even longer. Efren just plays and shuts up. Mike just hopes to distract yapping the whole time.
The fellow in the middle is the promoter who created the IPT, dreamed up the KOTH format, secured sponsors & production staff, and champion-level pros to appear. He’s naïve about the game’s nuances, but passionate nonetheless. Here he usefully serves as a relatable proxy for the intended, likely naïve, *general* TV audience with his innocent questions and reactions to the proceedings. The fellow on his right was a popular occasional baseball announcer with some pool experience, but clear misperceptions about pro-level actions and strategies. The lady is of course, LJ Jones, winner of dozens of women’s pro tourneys and many times BD’s player-of-the year. I saw her run a respectable 65 at the ’92 US Open 14.1 in NYC (under pressure) and she’s run many 100-ball practice runs, attesting to a high level of pool knowledge and ability.
ray carlton I play in a few leagues and I play a decent game and I've watched dozens of these pro tourny videos on CZcams over the years. My comment was mostly due to my real 'surprise' at just how 'noobie' these guys sounded. If you listen to those other videos the 'colour' guys are usually VERY knowledgeable. I suppose they felt it was a good idea to include neophytes but really, would a casual or non-player make the effort to watch a video of a full match of pool? I used to see pool matches on Wide World of Sports 40 years ago, but they don't do that anymore. Probably because the non-player just wasn't interested.
While I fully understand your point of view Joel, you (and possibly some other readers) might not know that the promoter's "intended *general* audience" was not a *video* viewing audience as you have conjectured, but targeted/conceived/designed for (erroneously as it turned out) casual at-home cable/broadcast television-viewing audiences (i.e., viewers of the 2005 telecast and a few subsequent-years IPT programs). These well-intentioned single-occasion pool programs (generally loaded with commercials for product(s) manufactured by a single company -- health-related ones in this promoter's case) rarely worked out, -- precisely for the reason you accurately cite: "non-players just [weren't] interested" in tuning in to the telecast. Unfortunate, because the overall staging, directing and production elements were done to very high industry standards, were visually appealing, and quite well-paced and colorful. Some of commentary was improvable, but that's true of any audio/visual programming.
Efren had been saying to dozens of interviewers and fellow pros that Mike is his favorite player for 15 years *before* this event occurred. Had nothing to do with this *indisputably* easy win. Most pool fans presently at middle age and older are very familiar with Efren's long time admiration for the CB control and rack-navigation patterns Mike displayed *during his peak years.* Here's a great example of Mike in his prime: czcams.com/video/PYGYGrChn5A/video.html Billiards experts commented after that run: "Pool doesn't get any more perfect than this." Worth taking an hour to enjoy IMO. I was fortunate enough to have seen this NYC match in-person. Just an amazing feat on Mike's part -- when you really love the game.
Totally Agree. Pool doesn't get any more perfect than that. I'm glad you're somewhat familiar with Straight Pool (14.1 Continuous) and that heightens anyone's full appreciation of Mike's near-flawless 150-and-out accomplishment.
Excellent, empathetic & so-perceptive insight on your part, Nordic. Kudos young man, and thanks for the pleasant to read comment.. *And as you clearly understood, it reveals the full, exceptional character and human kindness that Efren exhibits every moment of his life* .
I have seen "trick shot" shows of billiard legends. The balls are set but in the case of Efren Reyes, his shots (considered as trick shots?) were made in tournament finals and he won it, too! He is not only one of the greatest players in the world but the GREATEST!
This was indeed a nerve wrecking Championship game. both players are world class. This is a game; sometimes you win and sometimes you lose Congratulations to both players.
V.P. -- This is a completely accurate and balanced comment. Refreshing indeed to read. Any top pro in the world will admit to more than a few high-stakes matches when his/her game just didn't show up. True for any sports or entertainment performer.
Sigel was good but I never ever considered him the "king of kings"....Efren is the G.O.A.T. relative to any type of pool game!!! There may never be another with his talent!
My personal opinion is that Reyes is the greatest pool player of all time to play 8 ball, and he's in my top 3 9 ball players off all time. Plus he's probably the only pro pool player that could give a top 16 snooker player a good game at snooker! Playing both 9 ball and 8 ball I have to agree with what the commentators said, checkers and chess, love both games, prefer 8 ball! I've also played snooker on a full size snooker table, wow, if you think 8 ball is chess, then snooker is Grandmaster level chess!
Cant believe sigel was king of the hill, who did he play, amateurs? This dude's form and stroke looks stiff and he doesnt stay down on shots. Efren deserves this title.
Efren Reyes is without ANY doubt whatsoever the best I've ever seen, and I'm 73, and I've seen them ALL...he's the best I've EVER seen.....he does the totally impossible, and makes it look EASY...and I shoot pool myself, so I know.
Very glad you enjoyed it, BC. Thanks for your comment. Here is how you can quickly see *_many_* other billiards videos that I have -- plenty include Efren's magic :
I mean when you really check the winning game 6 of Efren. He looked like he did miss on purpose. He got everyone on the edge of the seat. 2 in a row. 2 simple shots missed. He actually set him self up so because he was already a step ahead of everyone. When you check his other videos. He knew where the ball was gonna go and why he kept so quiet because he was tactically moving things in his head
In my opinion. When Efren made a ball by grazing off another ball he missed the next easy shot..smiled and walked away. Mike does nothing but make excuses and blame bad rolls and plays accordingly. Young players take note....positive attitude is vital. Remember...a missed ball is just another opportunity to do better!!! :)
i had to watch this game with "mute", this mike guy is really salty and annoying af. wouldnt stop talking even when the opponent is hitting the ball. show some freaking respect ffs.
Better attitude on that *specific* day as the match progressed. You'd have to have watched 100s of pro tournaments in-person and thousands of match videos to eventually realize that the attitude of *any* world-class pro can turn from positive to negative, confident to unconfident, within *any* given match if they start missing enough, lose their focus enough, or are sufficiently distracted by some vexing personal problem or by enough frustrating table layouts, (or failure to perform for any given physical or emotional reason). They're human -- not continually-efficient robots. They all have years in the sun, then increasing days more in the shade. Visualize (hypothetically of course) where you'd be after your abilities and resistance to the stresses of major pro competitions have peaked. Both of these players have overall records and accomplishments that place them among the best in the history of pool. Sigel was well known to *all* his opponents throughout most of his career as one of the most supremely confident players they ever competed against (a confidence often masked either by his reflexive "chirping" or his seemingly negative head-shaking). He obviously had scant confidence as this particular match progressed. Doesn't change his overall career record in the least.
It’s really magically heartwarming knowing you have a fellow Filipino giving pride & honor to my country! Sir Efren, you’re my idol not only bcoz of your expertise but also bcoz of your humility! God bless you more & more! 👏🙏👏
So Efren won the $200k prize money here and he also won the $500k prize money against Rodney Morris. He basically won the biggest prizes for the 8-ball tournaments. Congrats!
Totally biased commentary. They are always talking about Mike, regardless of who is shooting. Also it's BS to say Mike is missing only hard shots, truth is he isn't hitting is earlier shot correctly.
The commentators were trapped in a *very tough, unenviable situation* that was rapidly going sideways with the vast disparity in the players' respective performances -- (Efren's compared to Mike's). The issue of apparent commentator bias has come up before, but they really had few workable options as the tapes were rolling and the match had to proceed, and seem to live up to the advance publicity. I'll explain the impossible situation the commentators were in (if we honestly visualize the situation from a TV production/business point of view). But first we have to give credit to the promoter/producer for coming up with the unusual, intriguing KOTH concept for this round-robin pro tournament and putting the potentially quite exciting event together (producer Kevin is the center commentator in the booth). Sigel had been playing wonderfully during his days of practicing just prior to the on-camera event - continually running 6 and 7 racks of 8-ball with ease and dazzling onlookers. But his universally respected, world-class game *just didn’t show up on game day* as sometimes happens to any pro. And as we’ve all experienced, when you’re playing badly, the pool-gods’ rolls seem to get even worse. Mike was clearly frustrated, and pertinent to your post (regarding perceived bias) -- think of the bewildering, embarrassing position the promoter and his two co-commentators were left with: How to (via rationalizations) convey to audiences, the pro player guests, broadcast executives (and not least -- the many sponsors) that while the event was indeed so unexpectedly *going sideways* (major performance disparities), the initial concept was quite valid and worth promoting it to the max, and worth doing so for planned future embodiments of the KOTH concept. Explanatory excuses and well-intentioned justifications are generally all the arsenal that any reasonable commentators are usually left with when any kind of sporting events or concert performances break down. We’ve all seen and paid to be at events that turned out to be sub-par, but far more discomforting is the commentating task/predicament of having to smooth things over as diplomatically as possible while the wheels are coming off. That’s the pickle in which the commentators were caught. They had a variety of programming and product-image obligations to consider in this case, and the treading-of-water to make the best of it, while inevitably coming off as “biased” commentary,arose simply from an unenviable need to put the best face on things. Goes with the territory naturally, but let’s admit - this was a very awkward position for anyone on-mic to be in, I think we’d all agree.
What you describe has happened to every one us who have competed badly in major tournaments when it simply wasn't our day. I've been on both sides of those situations -- me playing like King Kong and my opponent -- a great player -- his game just didn't show up. Next day, you're the one who can't get started. Happens in all sports. If that weren't true then one guy/or lady would win every tournament he/she ever enters. *Pro pool, and even semi-pro pool, takes more courage and resilience from failure than most folks can possibly realize. Admire the guy who bounces back and not necessarily the one who administered the one-sided defeat.* But Efren is different; we all admire him whether he's winning or losing because he's just about the most perfect human being you'll ever meet. He's very humble about his undeniable genius -- that's why all pros love him.
Such a nightmare for Sigel. He’s been sitting there for a while and when his turn comes, no easy shot. You need mental toughness in this kind of match..
biliar de los que no tienen
Gracias por tu comentario, Jordan. Me alegra que estés disfrutando los videos.
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 .
@@andywild2976 thanks i enjoyed viewing ur billiard.
Make's for an interesting tournament when both players are extremely nervous. 👍
poor Mike no lay ups, L.J.J. and the other commentator make it sound like Efren isn't shooting hard shots, high pressure $200,000 match every shot is difficult, Mike is just like E. Strickland talks to much, Efren says nothing he just kicks a** and smiles, I like that
Reyes the most humble player I've seen, his actions are louder then his words greatest ever.
I was so annoyed listening to these announcers, saying he had all easy shots etc. the reality is that his queue ball control was phenomenal and barely made any mistakes
He just met his GOAT.
"Than"
He is true gentleman in his sport. We’re so proud of this Filipino hero, a symbol of humility!
@@shizangle8761 no he had easy shots from the start
Why am i still watching this at 3am in the morning when i have a meeting at 9:30? But goddamn. The sheer humility and lovable character of Reyes is so pleasing to watch
I've known Efren for more than 30 years and can personally tell you that he has no equal for a lifetime of being gentlemanly, fair, humble, and respectful of other pros and spectators always -- meanwhile playing with unearthly skill and the imagination and vision of a true genius. *A humble genius -- that's a category of genius rarely seen in world history*. Such a decent, wholesome man. 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 probably has inspired more players to begin playing our wonderful sport, than any player in the 170-year history of professional billiards*.
I came here to watch a couple of sets, and stood for the whole two hours. Reyes is the goat for sure
Glad you stayed and enjoyed it, Miguel. Thanks for the affirmative comment.
What is so amazing about Efren is that he is so humble. Its extremely rare in today's world that someone with his dominating skills and talent can remain so calm, respectful and humble. What a admirable person he is. I wish this game was more popular so that today's youth could have a role model like him to shape their outlook on sportsman ship and life!
Very well said sir
He is such a great man, and obviously a truly great player in a class all by himself. If you want to watch some outstanding Efren pool, go check out any of Jefgalung videos of him playing all comers in PI. He plays normally - kind of just horsing around - until he gets behind and close, then the "Real Efren" comes out and the man just can do no wrong and beats the opponent. I've watched a bunch of them and I believe he's actually lost one set, like out of 30-40.
I believe that "efren reyes" is the greatest pool master in the world, he make the impossible to possible. They didn't calling him a magician for nothing. As a Filipino i am so proud of him.
the Real GOAT
I think it's amazing how this video was put out 5 years ago yet the person who published it is still replying to comments and concerns of his viewers to this day. Much respect.
Glad you're enjoying the videos and my abundant replies, Markus.
*
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 of course. I always love to watch efren run them tables. Wish I could do the same
$200,000 first prize for Efran's win couldn't have happened for a nicer guy! He deserves every dime!😊
Indeed he does/did deserve it, and is an outstandingly nice, wholesome, decent man. I've known him since the mid-1980s.
“He’s joking on the outside.. but he’s dying on the inside”.. Commentators killin me 🤣💀
Omm😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Sigel is just talking all the time but Reyes is playing.
Mike's strategy is shoot his mouth and distract the opponents non stop. It didn't work out on Efren, To think, Efren was tired before the tournament, he played ten games in two days and a very hard 4th round in the semis.
just pool players that's àll
Don't we all wanna be like Efren? Always smiling and laughing through our mistakes. Being humble and grateful. That's how all humans should be!
Good and actually profound sentiment, Gabriel. Except for certain occupations -- airline pilots, heart and brain surgeons, maternity ward nurses, radiologists -- we don't want those humans smiling and laughing thru their mistakes. We all agree on that, I'm sure.
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 Oh that's true, I was more talking about our mistakes in our daily lives at home, not feeling that heavy pressure all the time. Being at ease and realising that mistakes are part of life. I do agree that these people would never laugh about that
Technical mistake to be exact.
I don't play so much pool but each time i get to watch Mr Effren, i get inspired to be better at whatever I do. His humility crowns it all. Such a wonder and a joy to watch. . . And then, he didn't forget to thank everyone. ♥
Millions of players worldwide of all skill levels have -- and continue to -- agree with your very well expressed sentiments. Thanks for posting that, Tokuna.
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 I have just followed. Thank you.
i have never touched the cue till yoday 😅 still i am watching him 😅
Siegel displays poor form - dreadful execution of shots, talking continuously whilst an opponent is shooting (lucky for him Efren is so easy going), crying after his shots , almost ‘begging’ the crowd for sympathy. Considering Siegel is supposed to be a world class player, this ‘exhibition’ is pathetic!!
They're mic'd up, Efren can't hear him muttering in his corner. But his talking at the table is just his style. Other than that this match was not a good representation of his skills lol, very unlike him. He looked shell shocked after that first set, never able to get going. Don't think he ever recovered.
Well said
The reason Reyes was getting such "Easy shots" or "Lay ups" is because he put himself in position for those shots. He did a great job.
WeLoveGoProHD the funny thing is that the stupid commentators believed mike had all the difficult shots. Way too biased.
No the bragged on efren the whole match
I live in central América and I bet 85% of the people from here loves soccer, however I'm sure anybody could get in love with pool just by watching how Efren Reyes used to play and how humble he is.
He is our LEGEND.
Of course this shows up in my feed at 1:30 am. I still watched the whole thing, though. Efren is a breed of his own.
I been watching other youtube clips of Reyes and one commentator said it best - "I can play against Reyes just about as good as anyone...seeing how you can never get off your chair". Lol. I thought that summed up the magic of this player the best.
After all those incredible shots, he just said at the end “I got lucky?” What a humble man
Jerickson Malacaman that’s when you know who’s the real champion of the world I mean he’s just a man that enjoys the game he’s the greatest
well yea it is a game of luck mostly. i say the same thing every time i win
He says that all the time
In many others, this might have sounded like false modesty. (Who after all believes he got lucky?) Yet one does get the feeling that Reyes is genuinely modest.
@@MrSkinkarde Physics be like: *WHAT AM I TO YOU ?*
What is incredible about Efren Reyes is how much he has put up with Mike Sigel's talking through the game. His humbleness makes him more than a Champion. He has God's spirit.
Aaron: The significant thing to know is that Efren *_was not aggravated by it at all._* For this interesting reason: *Troubled grumbling by the opponent _ is the sound of music_ to a seasoned, and totally shark-proof high-stakes player. That "music" means a win is guaranteed and that's why Efren just smiles at it.* Efren, since age 16 had at this point been in high stakes action for 35 years -- winning an incredible 90% of his matches for his backers. You don't accomplish that if your concentration is fragile, vulnerable to sounds and intentional, visible misbehaving around you. especially in one of the most precise of all sports, where bare millimeters make the difference.
I was thinking the same thing!
You said that eloquently.
I can't believe i actually watch the whole match. Really me !
Watching these two well experienced players was really an honor.
Cheers to them!🎉
Efren is such a calm and nice gentlmen
playing pool against efron looks so easy, you don't even have to pick up a cue.
Shady gaming its efren not efron
@@mariaantoniasalmingo453 thanx
Shady gaming you' re welcome
If you're playing Efren just use a house cue but bring your favorite chair. You'll enjoy the match more with a comfy chair.
😂
It's 2022 and I just finished watching the whole game. What a match!
Glad you enjoyed it, Khaled.
*
Efren Reyes is a humble, decent and down to earth player. Great temperament which makes him greatest Pool player.
the only time I got nervous is when efren was asked to say something after winning. lol
incubusLive lol
Haha trueness! 😂😂😂
I speak fluent English but I do not have $200,000.
hahaha efren is fluently to inglish the cuball
feels like the commentators were so biased for Mike. And Efren was getting so-called "lay ups" because he was manufacturing those shots. His cue ball control is ridiculous!
Announcer; "he's losing because the breaks are going against him." No, it's because it's Efren who's going against him.
Exactly!!!
59:22
Commentator: He doesn't have it
Reyes: Has it
Commentator: 😯
Siegel you were the only the king..But the King cannot be matched with the Magician which is the toughest player to beat because he has all the shots that you wouldn't imagine and that is why Reyes is untouchable in pool!
jaytolentino13 that is truly indeed!
jaytolentino13 very well said
@@jomelpeligro3584 7
sigel is that guy at the bar who always talks over your shot and acts like it's not a problem when he does.
terribly annoying!
And gets angry if you do it to him, probably
My uncle said that Efren doesn't believe in luck he believes in his hard work.
He said that efren sleep on a billiard table way back and live in the billiard club during his youth and he knows it because he's always with him before he studied every move and angle how he can move the ball.
It's a lot of work and no aching joke.
DJ: All professional pool players greatly admire Efren, and they often quote Efren's very witty comment about luck:
*"The more I practice, the luckier I get"* .
Reyes is truly the king, I love watching him. He really is humble.
Interesting to note, is the fact that Efren's last name is a literal pluralization of the Spanish word for *king* . . . . "rey".
Efren is always hard to beat when money is involved. he never loss when bigger money is on the table. this is why he is the best in the business.
I like the way Efren is playing...cool..calm and collective....Mike is like a raving peacock....cannot shut up...
It is always a great pleasure watching this humble player play his game!😂❤
This is more entertaining than Mayweather vs McGregor.
I'm watching pool for over 20 years now. Efren Reyes is the best all-round ever!!!!!
He's god.
No. He is the Magician
no,he is MAGICIAN GOD
no,he is MAGICIAN GOD
No,He Is A Human😆
Just spent an hour and 45 watching pool because I think I'm starting to become addicted
I'm robert. been addicted since 2001. nice to meet you
I have also given in to this. I'm even contemplating buying my own cue.
lol so damn true....played it a week ago first time and my god i'm HOOKED....even thinking to buy a pool table so i could play while watching this magician reyes
ray carlton more power to your channel ray...tnx for the uploads
One of the best and the humblest men in the sport!
I've known Efren for more than 30 years and can personally tell you that he has no equal for a lifetime of being gentlemanly, fair, humble, and respectful of other pros and spectators always -- meanwhile playing with unearthly skill and the imagination and vision of a true genius. *A humble genius -- that's a category of genius rarely seen in world history.* Such a decent, wholesome man. 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 probably has inspired more players to begin playing our wonderful sport, than any player in recent history.*
I really like how the publisher of this video puts so much effort in answering the comments. I know almost nothing about pool besides casually playing sometimes, but his detailed answers make my life just a tad bit easier.
Thanks for the kind words, Wastery. To paraphrase the decades-old saying: "Flattery will get you everywhere." (The original tongue-in-cheek film dialogue had it as "Flattery will get you nowhere.")
I have a feeling that Efren is breaking like that on purpose, on a consistent basis to throw Mike off. He makes it look like it's by accident, but he's doing it on all his breaks. Coincidence? No, it's Mr. Reyes putting you in a hole you can't dig yourself out of.
Exactly right, Jomai. Efren is so shrewd and so smart that he quickly grasped how badly *hyper-nervous* Mike was playing; he is then able to cleverly (and unnoticeably) take just enough power off his 8-ball break so that he not only doesn't leave a shot . . . but leaves so many clusters that there are also no viable safeties!! *In other words he leaves a table that only he can navigate well enough to win.* This is an *opponent-rattling technique* well known to high-stakes gamblers (like Efren) and most top road players. It doesn't work in games like 9-ball where there are far fewer balls crowding the table after the break.
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 That's super interesting!!
Efren wins and his speech to the crowd he says, I Got Lucky. Humble
i think this was his little revenge to siegels trashtalk. Love that sarcasm.
That smile that Reyes sneaks in translates to "You Done Son," but seriously, both men had great respect for each other and the game. Real professionals.
Thanks for your fair, balanced and accurate comment, Ali. (Amusing too.)
22:00 -- "mike knows he's ready... he just needs a chance" but he had several chances. Efren is simply on another level. Mike is incredibly skilled but it's wrong to act like Efren did anything but whoop him here -- both players, talented, but Efren is one in a million. Great vid!
EV: Top sports coaches and sports physiologists of any sport always stress to their students the major psychological difference between being "prepared" and being "ready". Your training, rigorous practice sessions and years of possessing advanced skills get you well *"prepared"* for a given event, but being *ready* is entirely *mental and emotional* . . . and those two elements usually make the significant difference in the outcome on any given day during any major *one-on-one* sports event.
Efren Reyes is the greatest pool player in the Universe
Commentators are making a LOT of excuses for Mike. He is missing balls, it is his own fault. Not bad luck.
The commentators were trapped in a *very tough, unenviable situation* that was rapidly going sideways with the vast disparity in the players' respective performances -- (Efren's compared to Mike's). The issue of apparent commentator bias has come up before, but they really had few workable options as the tapes were rolling and the match had to proceed, and seem to live up to the advance publicity. I'll explain the impossible situation the commentators were in (if we honestly visualize the situation from a TV production/business point of view). But first we have to give credit to the promoter/producer for coming up with the unusual, intriguing KOTH concept for this round-robin pro tournament and putting the potentially quite exciting event together (producer Kevin is the center commentator in the booth). Sigel had been playing wonderfully during his days of practicing just prior to the on-camera event - continually running 6 and 7 racks of 8-ball with ease and dazzling onlookers. But his universally respected, world-class game *just didn’t show up on game day* as sometimes happens to any pro. And as we’ve all experienced, when you’re playing badly, the pool-gods’ rolls seem to get even worse. Mike was clearly frustrated, and pertinent to your post (regarding perceived bias) -- think of the bewildering, embarrassing position the promoter and his two co-commentators were left with: How to (via rationalizations) convey to audiences, the pro player guests, broadcast executives (and not least -- the many sponsors) that while the event was indeed so unexpectedly *going sideways* (major performance disparities), the initial concept was quite valid and worth promoting it to the max, and worth doing so for planned future embodiments of the KOTH concept. Explanatory excuses and well-intentioned justifications are generally all the arsenal that any reasonable commentators are usually left with when any kind of sporting events or concert performances break down. We’ve all seen and paid to be at events that turned out to be sub-par, but far more discomforting is the commentating task/predicament of having to smooth things over as diplomatically as possible while the wheels are coming off. That’s the pickle in which the commentators were caught. They had a variety of programming and product-image obligations to consider in this case, and the treading-of-water to make the best of it, while inevitably coming off as “biased” commentary,arose simply from an unenviable need to put the best face on things. Goes with the territory naturally, but let’s admit - this was a very awkward position for anyone on-mic to be in, I think we’d all agree.
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 Thank you! This makes tons of sense and looking back it really is a terrible position for them.
I hugely admire anyone on the Internet, who -- like yourself -- is secure and mature enough to state that additional situational facts have shed new light for them, and have appreciatively enacted a clear, more dimensioned view of an easily misunderstood issue. So, I in turn, readily thank you for your reply.
Actually a lot of it was not his fault, as you cannot control where all the balls go especially on a break. He got a lot of bad breaks after breaks and missed shots but sometimes that is just how it goes. Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you get unlucky.
Yeah that is true, but also luck and bad luck do play a role as even Efren hits bad shots and misses just like the rest. No one can play perfectly every shot, eventually mistakes happen and from the build up of pressure. I also do the same thing when I play as I am a great safety player if I do not have a good shot, I am able to play a safety where I do not leave my opponent a shot or a good one, and much like Mike this can make some very antsy and frustrated, and then rush shots or hammer the balls out of frustration. But I would say that Efren is the best overall at all of that and keeping his composure and making hard shots for his opponent on his safeties. Mike is a hyper, and fast player and also has a temper so Efren can mess with him more.
"I got lucky" that's what I call being humble, this guy is a legend
For Efren, I think the interview after the match is more challenging than the actual game. LOL
Efrén Reyes is a legend, one of the best pool players in the World. I was lucky enough to witness 6 of his games back in Los Angeles in the 90`s. Lots of impossible shots but he made it looks very easy.
i think he is the best among them :D
It took a lot practice. And years of it
Mike talks too much...Effren is the better player
Sometimes our greatest battle is against ourselves...What gives Effren the edge outside his Skills is His Mind...He has Such a powerful mind and never let his emotions get the best part of him in crucial times...Mike definitely lost on that part
When Mike doesn't talk he plays well. He is still a legend though.
Efren the most humble player ever. Greatest pool player of all time in my opinion.
Reyes is an absolute legend and he earned every bit of it.
It's great to see someone who has spent so much of his life working for something finally take home the big prize and the title.
A true Magician!
This is so true. Respect.
The best man won - great show. Nice to see a humble champion - shows true class.
I don't follow pool and honestly had never heard of Mike Sigel. I have seen numerous videos of Efren Reyes making incredible shot after shot. Watching this match I got the impression Mike, in addition to being a great player (based on the comments of how many titles he has won) is also a showman, playing to the crowd. Efren, on the other hand is a head down, deadly accurate, get the job done shooter.
HWP: Good observations on your part, and welcome to our beloved sport.
The algorithm bringing us together once again to watch this legend
Efren feels no pressure or fear when shooting pool...The only nightmare is the interview. Lol
L. V. Gargiulo
2 months ago
BIG mouth silenced. LOL
Lol...Yea no doubt
"See ya later" he says. I died.
He talks too much. Efren lets his cue talk.
Best billiard player in the world...Efren Bata Reyes...Philippines.
Absolutely agreed upon worldwide !!!
Efren is THE greatest player to play at any pool table.
I agree m8
I dont think anyone will argue with you on that.
My wife Filipina, she's always remind me about him and Pachio being the greatest ,I am jamaican and I always remind her about Usain Bolt and Bob Marley being the greatest, but it's all fun ,we from 2 poor countries with these legends who famous all over the world.
Efron Reyes is a class act. I like how humble he is yet so confident on the pool table. Amazing job. Congrats.
Mike is the best with his mouth, Efren is the greatest with his cue
🤣🤣😆😆😂😂
I’ve never watched pro pool. EVER!!! This was a really fun watch. Very impressed by what I watched.
I appreciate the comment Johnathan. Glad you enjoyed it.
*
God when Mike started making that comeback I was dying inside.
We all know a Mike at the pool hall. A guy who has to explain everytime he misses and god forbid he makes it he will tell you how great he is even longer.
Efren just plays and shuts up.
Mike just hopes to distract yapping the whole time.
What did he do to you?
@@uncleeric241 mikes acts like an arrogant kid how do u not see that
These commentators are killing me. The woman knows what she's talking about but WHY are these other two know-nothings even there?
The fellow in the middle is the promoter who created the IPT, dreamed up the KOTH format, secured sponsors & production staff, and champion-level pros to appear. He’s naïve about the game’s nuances, but passionate
nonetheless. Here he usefully serves as a relatable proxy for the intended, likely naïve, *general* TV audience with his innocent questions and reactions to the proceedings. The fellow on his right was a popular occasional baseball announcer with some pool experience, but clear misperceptions about pro-level actions and strategies. The lady is of course, LJ Jones, winner of dozens of women’s pro tourneys and many times BD’s player-of-the year. I saw her run a respectable 65 at the ’92 US Open 14.1 in NYC (under pressure) and she’s run many 100-ball practice runs, attesting to a high level of pool knowledge and ability.
ray carlton
I play in a few leagues and I play a decent game and I've watched dozens of these pro tourny videos on CZcams over the years. My comment was mostly due to my real 'surprise' at just how 'noobie' these guys sounded. If you listen to those other videos the 'colour' guys are usually VERY knowledgeable. I suppose they felt it was a good idea to include neophytes but really, would a casual or non-player make the effort to watch a video of a full match of pool? I used to see pool matches on Wide World of Sports 40 years ago, but they don't do that anymore. Probably because the non-player just wasn't interested.
While I fully understand your point of view Joel, you (and possibly some other readers) might not know that the promoter's "intended *general* audience" was not a *video* viewing audience as you have conjectured, but targeted/conceived/designed for (erroneously as it turned out) casual at-home cable/broadcast television-viewing audiences (i.e., viewers of the 2005 telecast and a few subsequent-years IPT programs). These well-intentioned single-occasion pool programs (generally loaded with commercials for product(s) manufactured by a single company -- health-related ones in this promoter's case) rarely worked out, -- precisely for the reason you accurately cite: "non-players just [weren't] interested" in tuning in to the telecast. Unfortunate, because the overall staging, directing and production elements were done to very high industry standards, were visually appealing, and quite well-paced and colorful. Some of commentary was improvable, but that's true of any audio/visual programming.
Efren has said before the Mike Sigel is his favorite player.. and that is because this is the easiest $200,000 he has ever made!
Efren had been saying to dozens of interviewers and fellow pros that Mike is his favorite player for 15 years *before* this event occurred. Had nothing to do with this *indisputably* easy win. Most pool fans presently at middle age and older are very familiar with Efren's long time admiration for the CB control and rack-navigation patterns Mike displayed *during his peak years.* Here's a great example of Mike in his prime:
czcams.com/video/PYGYGrChn5A/video.html
Billiards experts commented after that run: "Pool doesn't get any more perfect than this." Worth taking an hour to enjoy IMO. I was fortunate enough to have seen this NYC match in-person. Just an amazing feat on Mike's part -- when you really love the game.
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 okay thanks for the link
Let me know your impression after watching it, whenever you've seen it.
@@raycarltonbilliards5798 just finished watching, great performance from Mike
Totally Agree. Pool doesn't get any more perfect than that. I'm glad you're somewhat familiar with Straight Pool (14.1 Continuous) and that heightens anyone's full appreciation of Mike's near-flawless 150-and-out accomplishment.
The KING OF THE POOL IS EFREN REYES.
Both are great.... But for my Money for the biggest money.... REYES is the man. Frankly he was feeling bad he beat another great player
Excellent, empathetic & so-perceptive insight on your part, Nordic. Kudos young man, and thanks for the pleasant to read comment.. *And as you clearly understood, it reveals the full, exceptional character and human kindness that Efren exhibits every moment of his life* .
I have seen "trick shot" shows of billiard legends. The balls are set but in the case of Efren Reyes, his shots (considered as trick shots?) were made in tournament finals and he won it, too! He is not only one of the greatest players in the world but the GREATEST!
This was indeed a nerve wrecking Championship game. both players are world class. This is a game; sometimes you win and sometimes you lose Congratulations to both players.
V.P. -- This is a completely accurate and balanced comment. Refreshing indeed to read. Any top pro in the world will admit to more than a few high-stakes matches when his/her game just didn't show up. True for any sports or entertainment performer.
Sigel was good but I never ever considered him the "king of kings"....Efren is the G.O.A.T. relative to any type of pool game!!! There may never be another with his talent!
Damn. I am very impressed. Efren is the king indeed.
My personal opinion is that Reyes is the greatest pool player of all time to play 8 ball, and he's in my top 3 9 ball players off all time. Plus he's probably the only pro pool player that could give a top 16 snooker player a good game at snooker! Playing both 9 ball and 8 ball I have to agree with what the commentators said, checkers and chess, love both games, prefer 8 ball! I've also played snooker on a full size snooker table, wow, if you think 8 ball is chess, then snooker is Grandmaster level chess!
Awante Boca !! y Reyes !!
Superfly Samurai v 4f xm
The king of pool, Master of humbleness... Efren...
Błażej Tetla humility*
16:35 "And meanwhile, Mike Sigel is thinking about buying one of those trucker's cushions for his chair." LMAOOOOOO
Lol
Always love it when Efren gets into a tough position it's always our chance to see magic
I love that sound when the ball drops into the pocket
that is the best sound especially if your shooting but when watching I enjoy the que ball stike the object ball
Yeah
I like Mike, But Efren is the best living player in mho.
Efren Reyes is on another LEVEL! Wow! The best pool player in the world!
June 2022 and am watching! Love it!
Cant believe sigel was king of the hill, who did he play, amateurs? This dude's form and stroke looks stiff and he doesnt stay down on shots. Efren deserves this title.
Efren Reyes is without ANY doubt whatsoever the best I've ever seen, and I'm 73, and I've seen them ALL...he's the best I've EVER seen.....he does the totally impossible, and makes it look EASY...and I shoot pool myself, so I know.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful match to us!! I've been into watching Mr Efren's pool matches lately 😁
Very glad you enjoyed it, BC. Thanks for your comment. Here is how you can quickly see *_many_* other billiards videos that I have -- plenty include Efren's magic :
I mean when you really check the winning game 6 of Efren. He looked like he did miss on purpose. He got everyone on the edge of the seat. 2 in a row. 2 simple shots missed. He actually set him self up so because he was already a step ahead of everyone. When you check his other videos. He knew where the ball was gonna go and why he kept so quiet because he was tactically moving things in his head
In my opinion. When Efren made a ball by grazing off another ball he missed the next easy shot..smiled and walked away. Mike does nothing but make excuses and blame bad rolls and plays accordingly. Young players take note....positive attitude is vital. Remember...a missed ball is just another opportunity to do better!!! :)
i had to watch this game with "mute", this mike guy is really salty and annoying af. wouldnt stop talking even when the opponent is hitting the ball. show some freaking respect ffs.
well said. this guy keeps on trying to distract efren
Efren reyes is legend. No one is even close to him.
59:19 🔥🔥🔥 Probably one of the greatest moments in the match.
Reyes attitude is just so much better than Sigel.. That is why Reyes will always be a better player
Better attitude on that *specific* day as the match progressed. You'd have to have watched 100s of pro tournaments in-person and thousands of match videos to eventually realize that the attitude of *any* world-class pro can turn from positive to negative, confident to unconfident, within *any* given match if they start missing enough, lose their focus enough, or are sufficiently distracted by some vexing personal problem or by enough frustrating table layouts, (or failure to perform for any given physical or emotional reason). They're human -- not continually-efficient robots. They all have years in the sun, then increasing days more in the shade. Visualize (hypothetically of course) where you'd be after your abilities and resistance to the stresses of major pro competitions have peaked. Both of these players have overall records and accomplishments that place them among the best in the history of pool. Sigel was well known to *all* his opponents throughout most of his career as one of the most supremely confident players they ever competed against (a confidence often masked either by his reflexive "chirping" or his seemingly negative head-shaking). He obviously had scant confidence as this particular match progressed. Doesn't change his overall career record in the least.
Efren is not fluent in English but speech was heartfelt ..good enough to understand that he is such a humble individual as ever
What do you mean? He IS fluent in English (cue ball English, that is)!
59:19 he's the GOAT
Funny how the lady in the red got sooo mad when he made that shot
@@andyrodriguez3586 She's Mike Sigel's wife, that's why
It’s really magically heartwarming knowing you have a fellow Filipino giving pride & honor to my country! Sir Efren, you’re my idol not only bcoz of your expertise but also bcoz of your humility! God bless you more & more! 👏🙏👏
So Efren won the $200k prize money here and he also won the $500k prize money against Rodney Morris. He basically won the biggest prizes for the 8-ball tournaments. Congrats!
Totally biased commentary. They are always talking about Mike, regardless of who is shooting.
Also it's BS to say Mike is missing only hard shots, truth is he isn't hitting is earlier shot correctly.
The commentators were trapped in a *very tough, unenviable situation* that was rapidly going sideways with the vast disparity in the players' respective performances -- (Efren's compared to Mike's). The issue of apparent commentator bias has come up before, but they really had few workable options as the tapes were rolling and the match had to proceed, and seem to live up to the advance publicity. I'll explain the impossible situation the commentators were in (if we honestly visualize the situation from a TV production/business point of view). But first we have to give credit to the promoter/producer for coming up with the unusual, intriguing KOTH concept for this round-robin pro tournament and putting the potentially quite exciting event together (producer Kevin is the center commentator in the booth). Sigel had been playing wonderfully during his days of practicing just prior to the on-camera event - continually running 6 and 7 racks of 8-ball with ease and dazzling onlookers. But his universally respected, world-class game *just didn’t show up on game day* as sometimes happens to any pro. And as we’ve all experienced, when you’re playing badly, the pool-gods’ rolls seem to get even worse. Mike was clearly frustrated, and pertinent to your post (regarding perceived bias) -- think of the bewildering, embarrassing position the promoter and his two co-commentators were left with: How to (via rationalizations) convey to audiences, the pro player guests, broadcast executives (and not least -- the many sponsors) that while the event was indeed so unexpectedly *going sideways* (major performance disparities), the initial concept was quite valid and worth promoting it to the max, and worth doing so for planned future embodiments of the KOTH concept. Explanatory excuses and well-intentioned justifications are generally all the arsenal that any reasonable commentators are usually left with when any kind of sporting events or concert performances break down. We’ve all seen and paid to be at events that turned out to be sub-par, but far more discomforting is the commentating task/predicament of having to smooth things over as diplomatically as possible while the wheels are coming off. That’s the pickle in which the commentators were caught. They had a variety of programming and product-image obligations to consider in this case, and the treading-of-water to make the best of it, while inevitably coming off as “biased” commentary,arose simply from an unenviable need to put the best face on things. Goes with the territory naturally, but let’s admit - this was a very awkward position for anyone on-mic to be in, I think we’d all agree.
Reyes is the best of all time
What separated them is Efren was having fun and Mike was busy trying to win
What you describe has happened to every one us who have competed badly in major tournaments when it simply wasn't our day. I've been on both sides of those situations -- me playing like King Kong and my opponent -- a great player -- his game just didn't show up. Next day, you're the one who can't get started. Happens in all sports. If that weren't true then one guy/or lady would win every tournament he/she ever enters. *Pro pool, and even semi-pro pool, takes more courage and resilience from failure than most folks can possibly realize. Admire the guy who bounces back and not necessarily the one who administered the one-sided defeat.* But Efren is different; we all admire him whether he's winning or losing because he's just about the most perfect human being you'll ever meet. He's very humble about his undeniable genius -- that's why all pros love him.
I like how Efren giggles. He acted like it's lucky shot. Very humble pro player.
Fernando L phillipinos are very humble
Reyes seems like a very humble guy.
Such a nightmare for Sigel. He’s been sitting there for a while and when his turn comes, no easy shot. You need mental toughness in this kind of match..