Efren Reyes Delivers What James Baraks Fears at the 2005 Derby City Classic 9-Ball Final
In the world of professional billiards, few names command the respect and admiration that Efren "The Magician" Reyes does. A living legend in the sport, Reyes has dazzled audiences and opponents alike with his seemingly otherworldly skills, tactical genius, and unshakable composure under pressure.
At the 2005 Derby City Classic 9-Ball Final, Reyes once again proved why he is considered one of the greatest players of all time, delivering a performance that left his opponent, James Baraks, grappling with the very thing he feared most—Reyes' unparalleled mastery of the game.
The Derby City Classic, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the most prestigious and grueling tournaments in the billiards calendar. Featuring a diverse and highly competitive field of players, the event tests not only skill but also endurance and mental fortitude.
By the time the 9-ball final rolled around, both Reyes and Baraks had already endured days of intense matches. Yet, it was clear from the outset that this final would be a clash of contrasting styles and mental approaches.
James Baraks, a formidable player in his own right, came into the match with confidence but also an awareness of the monumental challenge that awaited him. Facing Reyes meant confronting a player who could turn even the most precarious table layouts into works of art.
Baraks knew that one mistake could be all it took for Reyes to seize control of the match, and this knowledge weighed heavily on him as the final began.
From the opening break, Reyes set the tone. His precision and creativity were on full display as he navigated complex shot sequences with ease. Baraks, though skilled and determined, struggled to keep pace with Reyes' relentless momentum.
The Filipino legend's ability to read the table and execute shots with surgical accuracy left Baraks visibly unsettled. It was as though Reyes had an answer for every challenge posed by the table—and by his opponent.
One of the defining moments of the match came midway through, when Reyes faced a seemingly impossible safety situation. With the cue ball trapped behind a cluster of balls and no clear path to his target, most players would have opted for a defensive shot or resigned themselves to a likely loss of the rack. But not Reyes. In a jaw-dropping display of ingenuity, he executed a three-rail kick shot that not only made contact with the object ball but also sank it into the corner pocket. The crowd erupted in applause, and Baraks could only shake his head in disbelief.
As the match progressed, it became evident that Baraks was struggling to maintain his composure. The pressure of playing against Reyes—combined with the Filipino's near-flawless performance—seemed to sap Baraks' confidence. Errors began to creep into his game, and each misstep was ruthlessly punished by Reyes. It was a textbook demonstration of why so many players fear facing "The Magician" on the big stage: he has an uncanny ability to capitalize on even the smallest opportunities.
By the final rack, Reyes had built an insurmountable lead. With his trademark calm demeanor, he sank the final 9-ball to secure victory and add yet another accolade to his storied career. The crowd rose to its feet in a standing ovation, recognizing not just a win but a masterclass in 9-ball pool.
For James Baraks, the match was undoubtedly a tough pill to swallow. Yet, losing to Efren Reyes is hardly a mark of shame; it is a shared experience among countless elite players who have fallen victim to his brilliance over the years. As for Reyes, his performance at the 2005 Derby City Classic further cemented his legacy as one of the greatest—and most feared—players in billiards history.
In hindsight, this final was more than just a competition; it was a showcase of what makes Efren Reyes an enduring icon in the sport. His ability to deliver under pressure, to outthink and outplay even the most skilled opponents, and to turn fear into awe is what separates him from the rest. For fans and players alike, matches like this serve as a reminder of why billiards is often described as both an art and a science—and why Efren "The Magician" Reyes remains its ultimate maestro.
