The countdown starts for Team Asia vs Team Europe
Eklent Kaçi and Aloysius Yapp are the first players confirmed to star in the inaugural Reyes Cup, in partnership with Puyat Sports Inc. and Sky Sports as the broadcaster for the UK and Ireland. The Reyes Cup will follow the same four-day team format as the Mosconi Cup, pitting the best of Team Asia against Team Europe.
The 2024 World Pool Championship marked the initial cut-off stage for determining the first two players to qualify for both Team Asia and Team Europe.
The Albanian, Eklent Kaçi, was the first to qualify for Team Europe after finishing runner-up at the 2024 World Pool Championship, which moved him up to third in the World Nineball Tour (WNT) rankings.
Kaçi said: “I’m thrilled to be part of the first-ever Reyes Cup. Competing at this level and representing Team Europe for the first time is an incredible honour, and I can’t wait to showcase my talent at this prestigious tournament.”
Eklent Kaci｜©Taka G Wu/Matchroom Multi Sport
After maintaining his position at 10th on the WNT rankings, the Singaporean, Aloysius Yapp became the first player to join Team Asia.
Yapp said: “It’s an amazing feeling to be selected for Team Asia in the inaugural Reyes Cup. I am excited to compete against the best and bring my best game to the table. This tournament is going to be something special.”
Qualification for the Reyes Cup will proceed in two more stages. One player for each team will be announced following the European Open in Fulda, Germany, and the US Open Pool Championship in Atlantic City, USA. These selections will be based on the 2024 one-year rankings for both Team Asia and Team Europe.
Aloysius Yapp｜©Taka Wu/Matchroom Multi Sport
The inaugural Reyes Cup will be held in Manila, capital of the Philippines, in honour of pool’s greatest player and tournament namesake, Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes. A World Pool Championship and US Open Pool Championship winner, Reyes is widely regarded as the sport’s greatest-ever player, serving as inspiration for millions of pool fans across the globe.
The tournament will follow in the footsteps of the four-day team format of the Mosconi Cup, which celebrated its 30th anniversary at Alexandra Palace, London last December. Team Asia will be represented by the top-three ranked players from the World Nineball Rankings one-year list, with two additional wildcards selected by Team Asia captain.
Fans are able to register for ticket alerts for the inaugural Reyes Cup here. Venue and ticket details to be announced in due course.