VILA NOVA DE FAMALICÄO - He was loved among his friend and far beyond as a huge Portuguese billiards fan and player in many World Cups. We received this morning the news of Jorge Bastos’ dead: he passed away at 76 years of age and will be remembered by many as an exceptionally kind man, was a friend of many players, nationally and internationally. And known for the billiards promotion he made on social media with news, tournament reports and pictures. His biggest idol was Frédéric Caudron from Belgium.
Jorge Bastos, who was a teacher by profession and lived in Vila Nova de Famalicäo, was a modest player himself. The amiable Portuguese travelled around the world to visit tournaments or play in them himself. His palmares on Kozoom include World Cups from Porto to Antalya, from Hurghada to Sluiskil, from Guri to Ho Chi Minh. Jorge Bastos played them all and many others, like in the Carom Cafe in New York, usually with a small role in the preliminary rounds. One of his nicest victories came against Antonio Montes, the current professional player for the PBA, whom he beat in the World Cup in Porto in 2015 by 30-25 in 35 innings. But he also scored victories against Salah Farouk and Gokhan Uludaligar in Luxor in 2016 and against many others.
Jorge Bastos was the lovable billiards fan, who talked to everyone who idolised billiards: with players famous and unknown, organizers, fans: always out and about, keeping results and scores, taking thousands of pictures, and could be found in the stands or behind the scenes with an inseparable cigarette or cigar.
Rui Costa, Portuguese billiards player and number 53 in the world rankings and a friend for many years, characterised him as follows: ’’Jorge was a fantastic person, his great passion was three-cushion. He loved our sport immensely and also helped many players, because money was not a problem for him. He did this quietly, not because everyone should know. His club Famalicense Atletic Club was his baby, he did everything he could to move up. Jorge loved travelling to watch, support and often play with Portuguese players. He gave us all the news and many photos. I think we could make a small museum of three-cushion thanks to him. Jorge lived his life the way he wanted to. The doctor had told him to stop smoking and take care, but he didn't listen. He wanted to live the way he did: without rules, without clock. If I wanted to call him, I had to do it in the night. You can imagine how sad I am right now, he was such a big friend.''
José Miguel Soares, player of the young line-up and Portugal's highest-ranked player with 51st: ''Jorge was one of the most dedicated players in Portugal for many years. He was also willing to travel everywhere, both inside and outside Portugal to play himself and watch international competitions. He was a fan of the Portuguese players and loved to take pictures of his billiard friends. I remember him as a man who was always around and in a good mood. We will miss him very much.''
Jorge lived all his life in Vila Nova de Famalicäo, 40 kilometres from Porto, was not married and had no children.
Jorge Bastos as all the billiard fans know him: always around somewhere, always in a good mood