This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
Team Asia captain and Filipino pool icon Francisco ‘Django’ Bustamante believes in AJ Manas so much that he expects the 19-year-old to conquer the world in the future
MANILA, Philippines – AJ Manas’ inclusion in a Team Asia side that will try to defend its throne in the Reyes Cup raised some eyebrows as the 19-year-old Filipino — the youngest player in the tournament — joins a stacked crew that features established pool players, including compatriots Carlo Biado and Johann Chua.
But Team Asia captain and Filipino icon Francisco “Django” Bustamante believes in Manas so much that he expects “Starboy” to conquer the world in the future.
“The time will come, mark my words, that kid will become a world champion,” said Bustamante in Filipino in a pre-tournament press conference on Wednesday, October 15. “He is young but he is already good, what more if he gets better in tournaments and in practice.”
Manas is the only replacement in the five-man team that won the inaugural Reyes Cup last year — a squad consisting of Biado, Chua, Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp, Vietnam’s Duong Quoc Hoang, and Chinese Taipei’s Ko Pin-yi.
Biado, Chua, Yapp, and Quoc Hoang are back for the Asians’ title defense, while Manas replaced Ko in this edition of the tournament named in honor of Filipino legend Efren “Bata” Reyes, who is widely regarded the greatest pool player of all time.
“I was the one who picked him,” said Bustamante. “I have trust in AJ because I would not get him if I have no trust in him.”
Bustamante, though, refused to sell himself short when asked how his 19-year-old self would fare against Manas.
“I was already good back in the day because it was all money game, there were no tournaments,” said Bustamante. “If you compare me with AJ, I’d beat him if we were the same age. I was fearless even back then. I’d go anywhere with my cue stick and I was never shy against anyone.”
After Team Europe got handily beat, 11-6, in the Reyes Cup last year, organizers Matchroom Pool wanted to make the competition fiercer and instead put together a more formidable Team Rest of World to challenge Team Asia.
Two-time world nine-ball champion Fedor Gorst of the United States banners Team Rest of World, which is also comprised of Germany’s Moritz Neuhausen, the USA’s Skyler Woodward, Spain’s Francisco Sanchez Ruiz, and United Kingdom’s Jayson Shaw.
“Our only advantage is the event is held here in our country, so our fans will support Team Asia. Whoever shoots well will win,” said Bustamante.
The Reyes Cup will run for four days starting on Thursday, October 16, until Sunday, October 19, with all games to be played at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. – Rappler.com
