EFREN-How much longer?

[3RAILKICK]

:frown:

do you think we in the US will get to see EFREN compete here?

I'm wondering how such a talented, generous and classy man will transition to what?-A revered retired champion/a Grady-like senior spokesman/ambassador?/an ongoing example to those young guns that follow of the merit of being a humble winner and the occaisional gracious loser.

I'm not looking forward to not seeing him come thru Hardtimes Bellflower-getting a call-and rush down to see he and Tang play some 1P.

One day all that travel may not be worth it for EFREN. One day he will retire. Hopefully the IPT has allowed him that option. I'm sure going to miss him when that day comes.

But please-NOT QUITE YET!

Who knows-maybe Jay might be giving us EFREN sightings from the PI one day. I hope both can enjoy a well deserved slower paced lifestyle of their choosing.

ANOTHER BOOK?- Jay and EFREN stories. That would be mighty cool.

Anybody want to make a guess how long EFREN will keep playing at such a high level?


3railkick

 

[cuesmith]

Efren may not be as explosive as he once was, but I believe he'll be a force to contend with til he's planted! His knowlege never stops increasing and he's got a lot of heart! Definately a class act that I doubt will ever be thought of as less than the greatest cueist of all times! I can't see anyone surpassing his legasy.

Sherm

 

[Black-Balled]

NOt that I'd have any intimate knowledge of Efren's intentions, but I don't see him taking a position as a pool ambassador of any sort.

I'd imaging he will spend his last decades doing exactly what he wants, chess, pool...beer.

But no cigarettes.:wink:

 

[alstl]

:frown:

do you think we in the US will get to see EFREN compete here?

I'm wondering how such a talented, generous and classy man will transition to what?-A revered retired champion/a Grady-like senior spokesman/ambassador?/an ongoing example to those young guns that follow of the merit of being a humble winner and the occaisional gracious loser.

I'm not looking forward to not seeing him come thru Hardtimes Bellflower-getting a call-and rush down to see he and Tang play some 1P.

One day all that travel may not be worth it for EFREN. One day he will retire. Hopefully the IPT has allowed him that option. I'm sure going to miss him when that day comes.

But please-NOT QUITE YET!

Who knows-maybe Jay might be giving us EFREN sightings from the PI one day. I hope both can enjoy a well deserved slower paced lifestyle of their choosing.

ANOTHER BOOK?- Jay and EFREN stories. That would be mighty cool.

Anybody want to make a guess how long EFREN will keep playing at such a high level?


3railkick

Three years, four months, one day.

 

[sfleinen]

3RAILKICK:

Efren *will* be stateside at the imminent Galveston World Classic -- in fact, if my information is still correct, he is scheduled to play a challenge match against Earl Strickland for some big dough. (That should be a fun one!)

Do keep in mind though, that Efren is recovering from Emphysema and cannot travel as much as he used to. So he has to pick and choose those events that will make it worthwhile for him to make the trek.

I personally feel that although we may not see as much of Efren as we used to, when we *do* see him, it will be for "firecracker" events like the Galveston World Classic or other events where the pay schedule will be worth the trip.

Just some humble thoughts,
-Sean

 

[jay helfert]

NOt that I'd have any intimate knowledge of Efren's intentions, but I don't see him taking a position as a pool ambassador of any sort.

I'd imaging he will spend his last decades doing exactly what he wants, chess, pool...beer.

But no cigarettes.:wink:

Bingo! But he is already traveling much less than he used to. If you want to see him play, some day you will have to go over there.

 

[inside_english]

NOt that I'd have any intimate knowledge of Efren's intentions, but I don't see him taking a position as a pool ambassador of any sort.

I'd imaging he will spend his last decades doing exactly what he wants, chess, pool...beer.

But no cigarettes.:wink:

don't forget fish and rice and more movies like Pakners...

 

[seanjonsean]

does anyone kno when hes going to be playing at galveston?i think format says hes playing earl sunday the 13th at 8 pm but what about monday and so on?

 

[grandpapkusky]

I'd imaging he will spend his last decades doing exactly what he wants, chess, pool...beer.

But no cigarettes.:wink:

Efren is my favorite player. I hope he has many more years ahead of him.
The cigarette part...I saw the Color of money match with him and earl and Efren seemed to smoke a cigarete every time he got back to his stool. I noticed he coughed a lot during that match and remember thinking he should stop some day. did he really? Maybe that will add more years to his life and career.

 

[RED NAXELA]

:frown:


Anybody want to make a guess how long EFREN will keep playing at such a high level?


3railkick

Watch the recently concluded World Cup of Pool championship match he and Django won against Ralf and Thorsten, and judge for yourself.

This match shows the decline in Efren's pocketing skills. I think he missed more balls than any of the other three players in the match. Nowadays, this usually happens when he has to stretch on the table or to jack up over another ball, either missing the ball or losing position for the next shot.

But the match also shows he is still the master of kicks and safeties. When the table layout and conditions are difficult, it is still hard to bet against Efren.

 

[gopi-1]

 

[Kurida]

Efren's pocketing skills has surely declined. He missed most of the long shots and difficult shots. But his deep knowledge in kicks and safeties surely saved the day for them. Django is the perfect team mate for Efren.
I have noticed that Efren uses different cues everytime he plays. Looks like he is using a sneaky pete inspired design this time,...I just wonder who he can sneak up with that cue.:grin:

 

[Black-Balled]

Efren is my favorite player. I hope he has many more years ahead of him.
The cigarette part...I saw the Color of money match with him and earl and Efren seemed to smoke a cigarete every time he got back to his stool. I noticed he coughed a lot during that match and remember thinking he should stop some day. did he really? Maybe that will add more years to his life and career.

He quit many years ago, as a result of emphysema.

 

[Kurida]

Efren's time is almost up. His skills and knowledge will always remain but his ability to perform will eventually decrease steadily. Here are the reasons why:
1) AGE--at 56 it will be very hard for him to just perform at his best anytime he likes. Optimum physical and mental condition will be difficult to attain anytime or everytime.
2) Medical conditions- He has weak lungs due to the chronic effects of smoking whether its emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Because of this he easily gets tired therefore has limited endurance. Efren also has cervical radiculopathy, there are times he couldn't feel his right arm. This condition is due to possible age related degenerative disorders like osteoarthritis and/or osteoporosis causing his cervical spine to collapse and impinge the nerve roots going to his upper body. He has been undergoing rehab for this since last year.
3) Equipment problems specifically CUE STICK problems. I know everyone thinks Efren can use a broomstick and still shoot the lights out, but in reality EDWIN(RIP) and I know how difficult and picky Efren can be when it comes to his cue. Efren knows what he likes but he doesn't know what it is that he exactly wants and need. Efren as of now has still to find the cue that he wants to settle into. Believe it or not.