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Bata's All Better
Oct 19, 2006, 9:25 AM

Efren “Bata” Reyes was released from a local hospital in Angeles City, Pampanga on Oct. 17 after reportedly being treated for a high fever and difficulty breathing.

The 52-year-old pool legend complained of his condition Sunday after the final stop of the San Miguel Asian 9-Ball tour at the Casino Filipino Pagcor Theater in Parañaque City.

He was diagnosed of having elevated blood sugar and asthma at the Angeles University Hospital. Three days of rest rejuvenated Reyes and Aristeo “Putch” Puyat delivered good news that International Pool Tour founder Kevin Trudeau said that the negotiations and planning relating to the Ho Interactive acquisition of the IPT is already on the final phase.

“Kevin promised to pay the players within the shortest amount of time,” Puyat said in a separate interview.

The Angeles City pool wizard earned $500,000 for his win over American Rodney Morris at the September World Open 8-ball Championship in Reno, Nev. Over a month later, none of the players had received their prize.

Meanwhile, Reyes doesn’t think his illness will prevent him from contending in the World Pool Championship, taking place Nov. 4-13 in Manila.

“I hope to win this event again,” said Reyes, the 1999 world champion.