One of a Kind

Bustamante and Reyes (left), shown here winning the 2007 World Cup of Pool, will forever be linked as friends and Hall of Famers. (Photo by Lawrence Lustig-Matchroom Sport)

Perhaps even more incredible, Bustamante was able to turn the death of his daughter into a motivational force. Instead of moping, he spent the rest of that year winning everything in sight. From Japan to the Philippines to Germany to the U.S., he won seven titles and his second BD Player of Year award. Bustamante chalked it up to his daughter looking over his shoulder.

"Maybe my daughter wants me to win," Bustamante said. "I'm thinking it was her that gave me the power."

The pain of that tragic event has passed with time, but with three young kids with Mila and three grown kids from a first marriage, as well as an extended family that he looks after, Bustamante has no intention of slowing down. He had several relatively off years in the mid-2000s, but in the last two years, he has found his mojo once again. And with a string of recent good news, he has more than enough reasons to continue doing the very things that have brought him to the BCA Hall of Fame.

"I'm still fighting to make money," Bustamante said. "How can I quit? I have to earn a living. It's my only talent. It's my job. I have to do this by myself. I take it very seriously. So long as I can play, I'll stay in the poolroom all my life."

And without a doubt he'll be sharing the stage with his longtime buddy, the first Filipino to make it the sport's most exclusive club, who couldn't be more pleased for his younger protege.

"I'm happy for him," Reyes said. "And I'm happy also that he is joining me in the Hall of Fame." The Magician then smiles that famous toothless grin and gives a unique twist on his famous phrase.

"We're both lucky."

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