Three-time World Cup winner Jeffrey De Luna and former World Championship runner-up Roberto Gomez aim to strike a fourth title for the Philippines at this year's World Cup of Pool which will be held at Milton Keynes, England, from May 9 to 14.
The World Cup of Pool is a major event in 9-ball established in 2006, one of the pool world’s premier events. A two-man team battle played in a ‘scotch doubles’ format and a straight-knockout system.
Jeffrey De Luna and Roberto Gomez were among the first teams confirmed to play at this year’s World Cup of Pool.
The Philippines alongside China, holds the record for bagging the most championship wins at the World Cup of Pool. In 2006 and 2009, Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco Bustamante took home the crown, and in 2013, Dennis Orcollo and Lee Van Corteza regained the title back to the Philippines.
It is a well-known fact that Filipino players are among the world’s best seen in the field of billiards. They have brought honor and success to the country countless times and it’s no surprise that the Philippines is referred to as the “Pool capital of the World”.
All thanks to “The Magician" Efren "Bata" Reyes, the legend who validated the magic of billiards and Filipino pool players to the world, bringing over 70 international titles to the Philippines, and acknowledged as the greatest player of all-time.
Undoubtedly, there will never be another nor “next” Efren "Bata" Reyes. And though his magic may seem to have dwindled, his remarkable love, dedication, and contribution to the Philippine sports culture will continue to live. His magic and legacy remain to be one of the biggest inspirations and exemplary of Filipino pool players today.
Jeffrey De Luna, commonly known as “The Bull” and “Jeff Bata” ascribable to his similar playing style with his mentor Efren "Bata" Reyes, started his professional career in billiards in 2006 at the Men’s World Nine-ball Championship, followed by Asian Games in Qatar, and Philippine Open Ten-ball Championship. Today, he has won over 13 local and international titles and continues to represent the Philippines in the field of billiards.
Roberto Gomez, commonly known as “Superman”, started playing pool at the age of 9 and served as a reporter for ABS-CBN before he started his professional career in billiards in 2007 at the WPA World Nine-ball Championships. In 2008 and 2009, he won a title at the Villar Cup Isabela Leg and Villar Cup Davao Leg. In 2010, he represented the Philippines at the World Cup of Pool together with Dennis Orcollo. And in 2018, he won a title at the Derby City Classic “Big Foot” Challenge.
The World Cup of Pool will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and DAZN from May 9 to 14.