Reyes to retire?

[BlowFish]

Efren had Lasik done a few years ago. I presume that Efren could wear corrective glasses but it is difficult to fix both distance and short-range presbyopia vision problems in one prescription.

Efren's playing all day long until the wee hours of the morning are probably taking a tremendous toll on him, both physically and mentally. He needs to take better care of himself.

Efren has had a fantastic career and will probably go down as one of the best players of all time.

Yes, Efren had Lasik about 3yrs ago if I'm not mistaken. I was puzzled why he is having issues with eyesight.

 

[Mr. Wiggles]

Efren

Saw efren walking thru Circus Circus one year and my buddies didn't recognize him. I said boys that was Efren Reyes, let's get some pics. We ran him down and although he didn't speak great English he accommodated us and was very cordial. He was wearing a plain white tee shirt and faded blue jeans. Only pool players knew who he was. I sure hope this eye thing is just the old hustle we pool players hear all the time. Haven't played lately, can't make a ball, everybody's beating me. Unfortunately it may be true because of father time who always comes knocking. I think he is the greatest player of all time, never will be convinced otherwise.

 

[cesarmorales]

He is all time winner of the most money in pool, second this year in cash. There is no way for him to retire. I think he has at least ten good years left.

 

[richiebalto]

He is all time winner of the most money in pool, second this year in cash. There is no way for him to retire. I think he has at least ten good years left.

If he can keep his healt good,he should be able to last another ten,my friend in baltimore is 70,he won 9 straight maryland pool titles 70s to 80s as of today he still playes,and nobody still doesnt want to fool with him!he is around the 7 or 8 of what he used to be.

 

[henho]

He did indeed have Lasik but that doesn't fix everything. Lasik corrects the focus of your eyes, similarly to glasses. However, with age, your contrast sensitivity also decreases steadily. Contrast sensitivity is roughly how bright the wold appears to you, and its decline is why older drivers have trouble at night, not because of focus problems. It is possible that the balls are in focus but still "hard to see", making it harder to judge shots.


That being said, I think he is full of it and just setting up for a nice pay day in Louisville.

 

[book collector]

reyes to retire

His eyes failing, Bata considers retirement By FRANCIS SANTIAGONovember 25, 2010, 6:20pm
Age may have caught up with Bata Reyes who said he plans to retire next year. The 57-year-old pool icon failed to win a medal in the Asian Games.MANILA, Philippines — Admitting that his game has taken a dip over the past years because of deteriorating eyesight, Efren “Bata” Reyes is already contemplating of retiring next year.

Known as the Magician worldwide, Reyes returned on Monday from a woeful outing in the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China – a development that pushed him to consider ending the “Magic show” that has mesmerized the world over.

“There’s a 50-50 chance (that I may retire next year),” Reyes said in Filipino on Friday.

Reyes is set to compete in a bevy of tournaments abroad, including in the Derby City Classic in Kentucky in January next year, but Reyes said “I’m doubtful if I will still play.”

Reyes, who will be 60 in tree years, said he still has the competitive fire and passion to play at high level, but his worsening sight problem has gotten the better of him.

Reyes, a two-time world champion, failed to land a medal in the Asiad after absorbing a shock 3-7 defeat to unheralded Indian Alok Kumar in the 8-ball singles.

“I’m also losing my touch,” the pride of Angles City in Pampanga said.

Although he has posted remarkable successes in the first half of this year, the same could not be said in the latter part – a development that pushed him to consider retirement.

Flashes of camera owned by fans during games are the culprit behind his deteriorating eyesight, the legendary pool maestro said.

“I can’t blame the fans if they want to take pictures of me. But, at times, that causes my eyes to swell and gives me headache,” Reyes said.

He also blamed the long hours of playing – sometimes until the wee hours – for the deterioration of his eyesight which he said he noticed about four years ago.

He said he now needs a longer time to take his shots since he has to look at the table many times over to prepare for the following shots.

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Someone close to him should suggest he hand out signed pictures.
I would hate to see him quit but I also understand hes travelled a mighty long road.

 

[Rod]

I often wonder how much anyone knows about their eyes. My brother needs implants but he is reluctant to have it done. Who knows how Efren thinks, he may not want to go through another procedure. He may not know his options. His options may be very limited. He could have some form of macular degeneration where there is no cure. I doubt a second lasik attempt is an option, the older you get your eyes lose flexibility.

I met Efren here in Phoenix years ago. I had been out of the game for years so I did not know who he was. LOL He was practicing rotation and I got the balls from him as he finished. We had a short conversation then I warmed up with Rafael Martinez.
I went from one killer to the next. Little did I know what a great champion I just met, actually both of them.

Time will tell what happens. I hope for Efren's sake someone will guide him in the right direction. As long as his eyes are basically ok there are lots of options. I have had 4 eye surgeries. The last one took place last Friday. It is in the healing process but it gets a little better each day. It takes about a month to heal completely. At this point I guess it to be near 20/30 and I hope for it to be 20/25 when its healed. That is without glasses and 20/20 with or very close.

The difference was amazing even with one eye done. It use to take a long time to aim. It improved that but with both eyes done it will be a lot better. When your sight is bad it slows down your game, I know. When your game slows down below your normal speed it throws your rhythm off. Not only that but your never quite sure your aimed right. When there is doubt there is a lack of confidence --- etc. Its a pain so I feel for anyone with poor eyesight.

Anyway lets hope Efren gets help or someone helps him, if indeed eyesight is a major problem. He has had a good run but age catches up with all of us. He still has a lot of good years left so don't count him out just yet. Even if Efren retires that would only be from major events. He will get the cheese in the back room for a long time.

Rod