The countdown begins for Team Asia vs Team Rest of the World, October 16–19 at the Ninoy Aquino National Stadium, Manila.
The stage is officially set for the 2025 LiveSB.io Reyes Cup, following today’s pre-tournament press conference held at Cignal TV Headquarters in Metro Manila — just one day before Team Asia begin their title defence against the newly formed Team Rest of the World.
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Returning for its second year, the Reyes Cup once again celebrates the legacy of the legendary Efren “Bata” Reyes, bringing together twelve of the world’s best players for four days of world-class nineball action, broadcast live globally across Sky Sports, OneSport, and WNT TV.
Led by Captain Francisco Bustamante, Team Asia return to defend their title after last year’s inaugural triumph. The Filipino legend expressed his pride in leading the team: “First of all, good luck to Asia and our team. I’m so happy to be selected as Captain, and I will do my best for my team. We are so strong with champion after champion in this team. I’m going to give them all my support.”
Making his debut, AJ Manas, the youngest player to ever compete in a World Nineball Tour Team Event, shared his excitement: “I’m proud to be part of Team Asia, it is an incredible honour of mine, and a dream I wanted to achieve when this event was created. I know there will be lots of pressure on me but I’m so excited to get out there tomorrow. Team Rest of the World need to be ready for us.”
Carlo Biado, reigning World Champion and one of the sport’s most consistent performers, added: “I have the best team, I have lots of experience of winning major events, I have no worries about my team and I hope this year we will lift the trophy again! I’m so excited to have my family out there watching me again in my home country.”
The new-look Team Rest of the World, captained by Jeremy Jones, features a formidable lineup of global champions. Jones, leading the team for the first time, said: “I was very shocked but very pleased to get the call. I’m very honoured and blessed to be able to lead this team out this week. The stress is off with the team we have — we have so many combinations to win the Reyes Cup.”
Seven-time Mosconi Cup winner, Jayson Shaw promised a fierce challenge for Team Asia: “We are a different team this year, but I feel we are better prepared. When it is go time we know what we bring — Asia will definitely feel the heat out there. Let’s see who handles it the best and may the best team win.”
Making his Reyes Cup debut, World No.1 Fedor Gorst shared his excitement at playing in the Philippines: “I’m so excited to play in the Reyes Cup for the first time. Pool players are treated like rock stars out here. It will definitely be more competitive this year with our combined team. For us, it is easy because we know each other and our strengths so well.”
Opening the conference, Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom Multi Sport, reflected on the growth of the Reyes Cup and its meaning to the sport: “What a special day tomorrow will be as we kick off the 2nd edition of the Reyes Cup. Mr. Putch has believed in this event, and we wouldn’t have got this over the line without his, and Efren Reyes’ support.”
Mr. Aristeo “Putch” Puyat, Founder and Owner of Puyat Sports, expressed his gratitude and optimism for the tournament’s continued success: “Firstly, I would like to thank Emily Frazer and Matchroom for staging an event named after our great Efren Reyes. I hope this event runs close in popularity to the Mosconi Cup one day. This event is a great platform to showcase our best players globally.”
From Cignal TV, the event’s official host broadcaster, Mr. Gerard L. Milan, Chief Revenue Officer, said: “We’re very privileged to be bringing the Reyes Cup back here. We’re thankful for Matchroom and Sir Putch for partnering with Cignal as the official broadcast partner here in the Philippines. Billiards has a huge following here, and it’s going to be a very exciting four days!”
Mr. Miguel S. Vea, Cignal Vice President for Sports Business Development, added: “If last year was anything to go by, we’re expecting even more fireworks this year! My thanks again to Emily and Matchroom for picking the Philippines and Cignal for hosting this prestigious event.”
The 2025 LiveSB.io Reyes Cup runs from October 16–19 at the Ninoy Aquino National Stadium in Manila, featuring 21 matches across singles, doubles, and team formats. Each match will be a race to five, with the first team to reach 11 points lifting the iconic Reyes Cup trophy.
Don’t miss out – Spectator tickets are available here.
Fans can tune in live every day from 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM (Manila time) on Sky Sports (UK & Ireland), OneSport (Philippines), WNT TV (Worldwide), and additional global partners including Fanduel TV, Fox Sports, Viaplay, and Sportklub.