--- Earl Strickland and Efren Reyes are two giants who have exceptional expertise in chronicle, and they both are world legends in the billiard sport forever ---
They truly are and in my opinion the two best ever to play the game. But Earl can be a REAL jerk when hes losing. Hes disrespected Reyes on more than one occasion. Personally I only leave a negative comment on a game he lets Dr. Jerk out.....but I have to say you reap what you sow. If you dont want folks trashing you then play with respect and edict like Reyes always does.
This has to be the grratest rivalry in the history of pool. In my opion arguments can be made for both and they both were at the top of their games when they played and it lasted for years. Wish we could build another rivalry such as this.
He is Bill Incardona. A professional player as well. One of the best commentators. He is known to for his ability to take the viewers through the game by describing the shots and strategies, players' psychology backed with massive experience and knowledge.
Efren is my favorite player and I absolutely can’t stand Earls attitude when he’s losing. BUT, he can shoot one hell of a pool game, that’s for damn sure.
Both players played a great game. But Earl Strickland was shooting great in this tournament. Now this is the Earl Strickland who is Playing excellent pool. Notice his mind is strictly on the game only! Thanks to the Pool Association and TH-cam.com for allowing us to view theses Pool Games. 👍🇺🇸
COG is right, Efren is a master of ALL billiards games, including straight pool, 14.1, 3 cushion, 1 pocket, etc. etc. etc. Earl is strictly a rotation player.
NO Bull you are clearly full of bullshit and an idiot. These guys are two of the greatest players that ever held a cue. Efren Reyes is a legend and an idol, undoubtedly and arguably the best player alive today.
I would have reserved that comment for a match that Efren actually won, and not posted it until Efren had 5 us open wins, 5 world championships and 6 player of the year awards under his belt.
Im a fan of Yang Ching Shun but these top players are absolutely at to different level. Their shots are accurate and They dont need much time to consider what they're gonna do next. True pool masters.
Efren is one of the greatest to ever play the game but when Earl is in Stroke....there is no one on this planet that is better than him. In golf, the players are judged, not by their wins, but by their majors. With 5 U.S Open and 2 or 3 World titles, Earl is simply the best to have played this game.......................so far
thanks, thats interesting, cant understand the princip though...you got some experience? i mean, does it help you to improve your skill? i "feel" the shot with slow aiming quite comfortably..
9-ball and snooker are so different. I think one of the key problems with the snooker players and 9-ball is the break required. Having grown up with snooker and the soft break, I think they just can't get that kind of power with control like the 9-ball greats: Bustamante, Strickland, Hall, Varner, Reyes, etc. They definitely have no problem making balls, or working the cue, although I think 9-ball position play is completely different than that of snooker play.
@nusux A "nine-foot" table measures 50x100 inches from cushion edge to cushion edge. I'm sure you can use a conversion tool to covert inches to centimeters.
Speaking not as a fan but as decades-long Chicago pool gamer, that players have to know the diamond system and english well enough to get positions to shoot the next ball as in 9-ball but Chicago is 1 to 15. Efren has style: he has an excellent posture shooting and smooth strokes. His shots are crisp, precise and fluid. If you have the ear you could even differential his shootings to others. Sure! there are numerous pros out there win more finals or ran more racks than Efren, but when it comes to the best all-around pool player Efren is #1 hands down. Efren is revered not only by fans but also other pros.
actually I did jump the gun a little quick and forget about how strong shane's power break is as he demonstrated against donny mills. I would actually like to see bustamante in that match with SVB... both very productive off the break or maybe johnny archer?
The greatest pool players ever, face to face. each of them have diferents ways to play of cours. Earl is agressive and fast. Reyes is more a thinker player.
Strickland, greatest 9 ball player of all time. Reyes, best player of all time. If Reyes had a better break I believe he would be better than Strickland. As it is, it's razor close between them in 9 ball. And for the life of me I don't know why the commentators, not just this match, but almost all of them are almost shouting after each game declaring the winner. It's supposed to add excitement to the match I suppose but I find it very annoying.
Rack 10 took Strickland 1:09 seconds from break to pocketing the 9 ball, and he even took time to talk for a few seconds about making 3 balls on the break!
You're very luck that you get to watch him for free. It's like watching Jordan shoot hoops at your local gym. The game you described sounds like Rotation, similar to 9-ball but played with all 15 balls. They say that's why filipino players kick so well.
I feel like asides from the missed 4-6 billiard, Efren lost because of the break format. He has an overall bad break and can really only pot consistent balls off the break when breaking from the side. He wasn't allowed to break from the side and because of Earl being great at pretty much every aspect of his game (except mental), capitalized on his break to keep running out. Also when Earl broke dry, Efren tended to not have a shot on the 1.
very strategic game of pool ... each player gets a corner pocked and the objective is to sink 8 balls in your pocket before ur opponent... interesting game ... played it a few times ... its a lot harder than most other pool games
As of today Reyes is history's best pocket billiards player. Whatever this might mean to you personally, it does not mean he is far and away superior to every other player living or dead. The measure of ability which separates Reyes and Strickland is extremely small... too small for most to surmise without watching a great number of taped matches.
I agree Efren is a great player and no doubt one of the best kick shot artist EVER. However Earl also has some skills that he excells at better than anyone else, such as the jump shot, which is not even in Efren's arsenal, and shooting long off the rail. he's got that down better than anyone. Earl has finally accepted the jump cue and now keeps one in his case. If the guy could ever keep his antics under wraps he'd still pose a threat.
I like Efren Reyes he is one of my favorite players but it's cool watching Earl Strickland Beat him. I always thought Efren was unbeatable but you can definitely tell he was off in this match.
Great commentators. It is much appreciated. If pool is to excel to the major networks we will need good commentators. Earl is playing great but something is wrong with Efren. I really enjoyed this match.
I was wondering why Earl was well behaved and calm. At the end you can see his mother gives him a hug. Perhaps having his mother there keeps him well mannered.
It wouldn't let me post my whole post, so I'll continue here. Notwithstanding these harsh realities which make it so intimidating for beginners, snooker does not necessitate the degree of positional play that nine ball outright requires. Rotation pool is defined by position; potting is not meant to be difficult, because that's not what the game entails. What it does entail is workable shape, each and every shot.
I've never been a fan of Earl's personality but I do admire his game when he leaves all the shit aside and just plays pool. This is a good example of Earl the pool player. He could come back to his former glory, and probably dominate again, if he just controlled that goddamn temper he has.
It seems to be a recurring theme that Earl hasn't been to semi's and final's in a while. One reason for this is poor health. His back has been really bad among other things. I've heard he feels like he's about to make a big comeback and that his health is improving. Another good Earl stat besides the championships is that he has the best Mosconi Cup record ever.
The commentators mention that there was a $100k match between the two where they raced to 120. They said the final score was 120-117 but they never mentioned who won. Does anyone know?
@WolfieTed Not if there is usually some residue or film characteristic of a new felt/table. Like a coating or stain guard? Otherwise, I agree, it's a stupid thing to claim.
You could be right but i spoke to his wife Flora and met his son at the Skins in Atlantic City in 05 and it was the only question i asked her about the 526,she said he got tired.
Earl Strickland is an incredible player when he's focused and not busy crying. He can make the game look effortless. However, he is such a baby that when he's down by even a rack he'll throw the game. Until he learns to cope with his problems I don't think he'll ever when another major title.
arpeemac i have no interest in her u dumbass. Cant u see she's begging for attention. Is it important that she said she was a girl? Think before you post, Ass
the push is only available after the break the following player can either play the ball or let the other player (the one that initially started the push) play the push out.there's no foul called even if the player doesn't hit the object ball after calling the "push out" but the push out is only available once after the break shot.
--- Earl Strickland and Efren Reyes are two giants who have exceptional expertise in chronicle, and they both are world legends in the billiard sport forever ---
agree
I don't understand the disrespectful comments these guys are both legends in a game we all love.
They truly are and in my opinion the two best ever to play the game. But Earl can be a REAL jerk when hes losing. Hes disrespected Reyes on more than one occasion. Personally I only leave a negative comment on a game he lets Dr. Jerk out.....but I have to say you reap what you sow. If you dont want folks trashing you then play with respect and edict like Reyes always does.
Love watching Earl play he has such a concentrated attitude when he plays that's what makes him a great player striving for perfection.
It's awesome that you've got so many complete matches posted. Thanks BCLub.
This has to be the grratest rivalry in the history of pool. In my opion arguments can be made for both and they both were at the top of their games when they played and it lasted for years. Wish we could build another rivalry such as this.
Masterful jump shot on that first rack on the 2 ball.
I see a match with two legends.... immediately watch 👍😊
He is Bill Incardona. A professional player as well. One of the best commentators. He is known to for his ability to take the viewers through the game by describing the shots and strategies, players' psychology backed with massive experience and knowledge.
Efren is my favorite player and I absolutely can’t stand Earls attitude when he’s losing. BUT, he can shoot one hell of a pool game, that’s for damn sure.
Both players played a great game. But Earl Strickland was shooting great in this tournament. Now this is the Earl Strickland who is
Playing excellent pool. Notice his mind is strictly on the game only! Thanks to the Pool Association and TH-cam.com for allowing us to view theses Pool Games. 👍🇺🇸
pool players of today evolved because of efren reyes... the skill, the talent, the strategy and the ATTITUDE...
I never tired of watching Efren Bata Reyes play pool again n again..❤❤❤
I have to say that I always like Bill Incardona when he commentated. He makes intelligent, useful comments, you can tell he was a great player.
sfincione2000 true, he was the best
COG is right, Efren is a master of ALL billiards games, including straight pool, 14.1, 3 cushion, 1 pocket, etc. etc. etc. Earl is strictly a rotation player.
Efren was having a bad day, and Earl was on fire. When Earl plays Efren he concentrates more than usual.
EFREN IS THE BEST PLAYER EVER!!!
NO Bull you are clearly full of bullshit and an idiot. These guys are two of the greatest players that ever held a cue. Efren Reyes is a legend and an idol, undoubtedly and arguably the best player alive today.
Always picking his goddamn nose.
Harabas349 old songs
I haven't seen them all play personally, but I can certainly see where people get that idea.
HAHAHA......AAAY
in this match his lucky not working
Good to see Strickland keep his emotions in check for once, a great performance.
NICE WORK, PEARL!!! Wish I could've seen you play the bushwhacker in the late 80s...
my two favorite players by far!
This is the exact pool table I hope to have one day, absolutely gorgeous
I would have reserved that comment for a match that Efren actually won, and not posted it until Efren had 5 us open wins, 5 world championships and 6 player of the year awards under his belt.
the best 2 players ever that have ever picked up the cue on a pool table
Im a fan of Yang Ching Shun but these top players are absolutely at to different level. Their shots are accurate and They dont need much time to consider what they're gonna do next. True pool masters.
Strickland: One of the greatest that ever held a cue.
Reyes: THE greatest that ever held a cue.
Jose Paulo King earl at his best is better than efren hes a better shot maker a better breaker but earls mental game always hurts him
I agree. If Earl wasn't an asshole/child he would have a lot more titles under his belt. He'd beat Efren a lot more too.
Earl in his prime was the better rotation player. But efren mastered many games. So overall I have to say efren.
@@joshuahaynes7413 I would say Ronnie o sullivan is the greatest player to ever hold a cue
As early as 95 where Efren did the Z shot, Earl called Efren the goat in the interview
i agree, but when Earl plays like this? elegant, powerful, every shot ya' feel it in your gut.
i love how humble efren is. he is completely the opposite of earl. IMHO i'd never want to see strickland beat reyes.
Most of the game Earl had the cue ball on a string.....some really nice strokes, too.
My two favorite pool commentators.. Ever.
when earl is on he is unstoppable.
wow thanks a lot for the reply mate :) Highly appreciated :)
My left ear is loving this match
Romeo Goerring Ya what's up with mono sound. Thought I lost hearing in my right ear.
Just enjoy the match and don't complain.
Efren is one of the greatest to ever play the game but when Earl is in Stroke....there is no one on this planet that is better than him. In golf, the players are judged, not by their wins, but by their majors. With 5 U.S Open and 2 or 3 World titles, Earl is simply the best to have played this game.......................so far
could anyone tell me the official dimensions of a pool table ? if possible in centimetres cause everywhere i search it's in feets !
2 of my favorite players But Efren Reyes is the better player
both are my idols
What champions!!! Such a joy to watch!
thanks, thats interesting, cant understand the princip though...you got some experience? i mean, does it help you to improve your skill? i "feel" the shot with slow aiming quite comfortably..
i never noticed that earl lines up his shots more under his right eye/right side of face.
9-ball and snooker are so different. I think one of the key problems with the snooker players and 9-ball is the break required. Having grown up with snooker and the soft break, I think they just can't get that kind of power with control like the 9-ball greats: Bustamante, Strickland, Hall, Varner, Reyes, etc.
They definitely have no problem making balls, or working the cue, although I think 9-ball position play is completely different than that of snooker play.
Earl the Pearl.
Good one👍
Amazing player.
That has got to be the first time that I have ever seen Efren Reyes shoot a jump shot.
@nusux A "nine-foot" table measures 50x100 inches from cushion edge to cushion edge. I'm sure you can use a conversion tool to covert inches to centimeters.
Greatest 9 ball players vs Greatest all round pool player. Match between 2 pool gods.
These two are the best in billiards!
...
Speaking not as a fan but as decades-long Chicago pool gamer, that players have to know the diamond system and english well enough to get positions to shoot the next ball as in 9-ball but Chicago is 1 to 15. Efren has style: he has an excellent posture shooting and smooth strokes. His shots are crisp, precise and fluid. If you have the ear you could even differential his shootings to others. Sure! there are numerous pros out there win more finals or ran more racks than Efren, but when it comes to the best all-around pool player Efren is #1 hands down. Efren is revered not only by fans but also other pros.
Wow Earl Strickland fast and accurate Willy impressive
title of the song after the match??? Thanks
actually I did jump the gun a little quick and forget about how strong shane's power break is as he demonstrated against donny mills. I would actually like to see bustamante in that match with SVB... both very productive off the break or maybe johnny archer?
The greatest pool players ever, face to face. each of them have diferents ways to play of cours. Earl is agressive and fast. Reyes is more a thinker player.
Strickland, greatest 9 ball player of all time.
Reyes, best player of all time.
If Reyes had a better break I believe he would be better than Strickland. As it is, it's razor close between them in 9 ball.
And for the life of me I don't know why the commentators, not just this match, but almost all of them are almost shouting after each game declaring the winner. It's supposed to add excitement to the match I suppose but I find it very annoying.
lol that made my day. Didn't catch that when I was watching.
@kristiantheheathen thx for ur 'support' man didn't even notice ppl where giving thumbs down
Rack 10 took Strickland 1:09 seconds from break to pocketing the 9 ball, and he even took time to talk for a few seconds about making 3 balls on the break!
You're very luck that you get to watch him for free. It's like watching Jordan shoot hoops at your local gym. The game you described sounds like Rotation, similar to 9-ball but played with all 15 balls. They say that's why filipino players kick so well.
Can someone tell me why I can't download this clip like the others??? Thx
Is this the final round?
I feel like asides from the missed 4-6 billiard, Efren lost because of the break format. He has an overall bad break and can really only pot consistent balls off the break when breaking from the side. He wasn't allowed to break from the side and because of Earl being great at pretty much every aspect of his game (except mental), capitalized on his break to keep running out. Also when Earl broke dry, Efren tended to not have a shot on the 1.
@husttler007 what do you think about johnny archer then?
does Earl use a cuetec cue or a custom cue?
@toshiru07 i been watching this forever the 2 best 9 ball player of all time,, Strickland & Reyes! U.S.A Philippines!
very strategic game of pool ... each player gets a corner pocked and the objective is to sink 8 balls in your pocket before ur opponent... interesting game ... played it a few times ... its a lot harder than most other pool games
i love mosconi, but he did miss his 527th (a one in the corner)
Earl plays like he's double parked.
I like it when they walk around the table and wait for the cue ball to get there.
Who is the guy commentating with Wych? Is it the Rainman?
Before the 9 is pocketed every time you're like "quick turn down the volume or my left ear will be destroyed by the applause!
As of today Reyes is history's best pocket billiards player. Whatever this might mean to you personally, it does not mean he is far and away superior to every other player living or dead. The measure of ability which separates Reyes and Strickland is extremely small... too small for most to surmise without watching a great number of taped matches.
If anything, positional play is more difficult in snooker; the physical demands are much greater, due to tighter pockets and greater area of play.
I agree Efren is a great player and no doubt one of the best kick shot artist EVER. However Earl also has some skills that he excells at better than anyone else, such as the jump shot, which is not even in Efren's arsenal, and shooting long off the rail. he's got that down better than anyone. Earl has finally accepted the jump cue and now keeps one in his case. If the guy could ever keep his antics under wraps he'd still pose a threat.
I like Efren Reyes he is one of my favorite players but it's cool watching Earl Strickland Beat him. I always thought Efren was unbeatable but you can definitely tell he was off in this match.
The camera work was atrocious but the play was exceptional.
Great commentators. It is much appreciated. If pool is to excel to the major networks we will need good commentators. Earl is playing great but something is wrong with Efren. I really enjoyed this match.
efren is so good.. his shots are like so soft..when you watch em.. other players looks like they hit it so hard.
haha i guess he's amplifying the importance of every single rack here, since for 2 competitive players, every match counts :p
it is so good to see earl not talking
How can chalk off get you table "cleaner than new?" Thats an insane claim?
Naa, the guys who installed the felt were dirty....
Reyes has $1.6 million in tourney wins since 2000. Strickland has under $500,000. So as far as this decade goes, it's no comparison.
I was wondering why Earl was well behaved and calm. At the end you can see his mother gives him a hug. Perhaps having his mother there keeps him well mannered.
16:30 "Just a quick look to check that the balls are all touching"
heheheh.... sigh, ball-jokes.
Your heh hehhey is annoying
It wouldn't let me post my whole post, so I'll continue here.
Notwithstanding these harsh realities which make it so intimidating for beginners, snooker does not necessitate the degree of positional play that nine ball outright requires. Rotation pool is defined by position; potting is not meant to be difficult, because that's not what the game entails. What it does entail is workable shape, each and every shot.
I'd like efren to be in the snooker community. He just fits in.
I've never been a fan of Earl's personality but I do admire his game when he leaves all the shit aside and just plays pool. This is a good example of Earl the pool player. He could come back to his former glory, and probably dominate again, if he just controlled that goddamn temper he has.
22:30 first time i saw reyes use a jump cue.
That was painful to watch, I love Efren!
Efren Reyes is by far the best all around player that ever lived in the game of pool...
Sound? :O
I'm only 11 minutes in but let me guess: Earl breaks at least one cue during this match?
It seems to be a recurring theme that Earl hasn't been to semi's and final's in a while. One reason for this is poor health. His back has been really bad among other things. I've heard he feels like he's about to make a big comeback and that his health is improving. Another good Earl stat besides the championships is that he has the best Mosconi Cup record ever.
The commentators mention that there was a $100k match between the two where they raced to 120. They said the final score was 120-117 but they never mentioned who won. Does anyone know?
@WolfieTed Not if there is usually some residue or film characteristic of a new felt/table. Like a coating or stain guard? Otherwise, I agree, it's a stupid thing to claim.
I'm sure you don't actually believe professional snooker players don't play shape. They do. They definitely, definitely do.
it's called feeling the shot I think. There's the same in snooker but it's much less pronounced or visible.
Efren Reyes is my hero ...
You could be right but i spoke to his wife Flora and met his son at the Skins in Atlantic City in 05 and it was the only question i asked her about the 526,she said he got tired.
Earl Strickland is an incredible player when he's focused and not busy crying. He can make the game look effortless. However, he is such a baby that when he's down by even a rack he'll throw the game. Until he learns to cope with his problems I don't think he'll ever when another major title.
25:20 that guys got his hands full
No, I'm watching it in 5000 BC with my stone cue next to me :D!
43.29 - i thought he said he almost fouled the ball with his ...
nevermind
Efren is, and may still be, the Very Best All-Around Player EVER !
No, Earl the Pearl is better, but lets watch the video and see who wins ok? The winner is the better player....
That's efren bata Reyes I'm also playing billiard I'm 10years old I start playing it 2008 I'm a girl :-) :-) :-) :-)
'Im a girl' are you begging for attention? -.-
Chan Justin she's a girl... of course she's begging for attention.
arpeemac i have no interest in her u dumbass. Cant u see she's begging for attention. Is it important that she said she was a girl? Think before you post, Ass
mga unggoy pag hilom mo!
the push is only available after the break the following player can either play the ball or let the other player (the one that initially started the push) play the push out.there's no foul called even if the player doesn't hit the object ball after calling the "push out" but the push out is only available once after the break shot.