EFREN "BATA" REYES

Efren “The Magician” Reyes made some of his trademark shots but settled only for a runner-up finish behind American John Brumback in 12th Annual Derby City Classic 9-Ball Banks Tuesday at the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel in Indiana, United States.

Reyes found Brumback too hot to handle as the hometown bet came through with tough shots of his own after winning the lag on the way to posting a 3-0 win that earned him the $10,000 (P480,000) winner’s prize.

The 55-year-old Reyes could only mount serious uprising in the final rack when he forced a 4-4 tie in ball count, but his bid was cut short after the Texas-based Brumback banked the last ball for his second straight title.

Reyes settled for the $5,000 (P240,000) runner up purse – a prize money not bad for four days of work.

American Larry Nevel pocketed $3,000 for placing third in one of the three events featured in the prestigious tournament.

The nine-day event also offers 9-ball and One Pocket events which stake a combined cash prize of $40,000 (P1.9 million). The player who dished out the best performance in the three events will be declared All Around champion.

Reyes earlier beat American Shannon Daulton, compatriot Alex “The Lion” Pagulayan and Nevel to reach the final.

Despite the loss, Reyes remained the best Filipino finisher in the 353-player event.