Bata inducted into US Hall of Fame

Efren "Bata" Reyes was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Billiards Congress of America on Saturday.

Rene Encarnacio, senior vice president of ABS-CBN Global Ltd., at the request of Puyat Sports president Aristeo Puyat, represented Reyes at the induction banquet at the Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, because the event coincided with the World Pool Championship in Cardiff, England.

Encarnacion, who accepted the green Hall of Fame jacket, ring and plaque for Reyes, reported "Efren has made us all proud and raised the image of the Filipino internationally...His image is now included in the pantheon of BCA Hall of Fame."

Encarnacion said:

"There were two inductees, Ed Kelly and Efren. The Executive Director of BCA explained how getting into the Hall was extremely difficult, akin to getting through the eye of a needle. There were 13 nominees this year of which the above two made it, in the category of Greatest Player. We are truly honored with Efren’s achievement."

The ABS-CBN executive gave an acceptance speech on behalf of Reyes.

He noted that Efren is the first and only Asian who made it to BCA’s Hall of Fame, which officials of BCA confirmed.