The 49-year-old Reyes, who earlier made it to the 2003 Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Hall of Fame, underscored his superb form by blanking Strickland, 12-0.

The victory was a big boost for Reyes, who will defend his title in the upcoming 2003 World Pool League starting Oct. 22 in Warsaw, Poland.

Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, president of Puyat Sports, was elated by the superb showing of his protégés in the Dubai meet.

He said he was happy that Mario Tolentino, another Filipino based in Dubai and who represented UAE in the tourney, has joined Reyes, Bustamante, Canada-based Alex Pagulayan and veteran Jose "Amang" Parica in upholding the country's high status in world billiards.

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