In 1995, at the Sands Regency Open in the US, the world of billiards witnessed a monumental moment. The final took place between Reyes and American legend Earl Strickland. With the score tied at 12-12, the Filipino player had a chance to end the match.

While running the table, Reyes inadvertently made things difficult for himself when he pocketed the 5-ball along with the 8-ball. This meant the 41-year-old Strickland retained control of the table. However, there was no direct shot to the 5-ball due to Reyes' excellent cue ball positioning.

"Reyes is in big trouble," the commentator observed. "The cue ball can't go left because it's blocked by the 7-ball, and there's no bank to the right. The only option is a short bank, but that's incredibly difficult."

The table before Efren Reyes' legendary Z-shot. (Source: Unknown)

The table before Efren Reyes' legendary Z-shot. (Source: Unknown)

The commentator predicted that even if Reyes managed to hit the 5-ball, he would likely leave Strickland an easy shot to win the match. "But the most likely outcome is that he misses the 5-ball altogether," the commentator added.

Reyes decided on a two-rail shot, hitting the right long rail, then the left long rail, before finally contacting the 5-ball. As Reyes positioned his cue, even the commentators were surprised. "What is he planning? The chances are very slim. He's probably just hoping to make contact," the commentator remarked.

But in that tense moment, with the audience holding its breath, the magical shot unfolded. After two rail contacts, the cue ball slammed into the 5-ball, sending it smoothly into the corner pocket, to everyone's astonishment. The crowd, including Strickland, erupted in applause.

"Oh my God, a legendary shot! Look, even Strickland is applauding," the excited commentator exclaimed.

The final moments of the match between Reyes and Strickland at the 1995 Sands Regency Open. (Source: Unknown)

Not only did Reyes pocket the 5-ball, but he also positioned the cue ball perfectly to clear the table, sinking the remaining three balls to win the match 13-12. Strickland then stood up, shook Reyes' hand, and raised it high, like a boxing referee announcing the winner. "That's the best run-out I've ever seen, or anyone has ever seen," the commentator declared. "In a major final. It couldn't get any better. This is why they call him The Magician."

Another observer commented, "I thought Reyes was sunk, with no way out. We all thought it was the wrong choice. But the result proved it was a genius decision."

In the post-match interview, Reyes maintained his usual humility. He admitted that he was only thinking about making contact with the 5-ball. "I thought I missed it," he said. "It was really hard to even touch the 5-ball. I was just hoping to make contact, and I needed some luck."

The Z-shot became a benchmark for creativity in billiards. Before that, players mostly considered one-rail shots or using the diamond system like in carom billiards. Reyes' two-rail shot had never been seen before in top-level competition.

Other prominent players like Shane Van Boening, Allison Fisher, and Justin Bergman have replicated similar shots, but none have created the same level of excitement as Reyes did in that match against Strickland. It took Boening 23 attempts to sink the 5-ball in a similar setup. Many YouTubers have also tried their hand at the same shot, needing at least 10 attempts. Reyes only had one shot, in a do-or-die situation, against an opponent who is also considered a billiards legend.

Of course, Reyes needed luck for that shot, and he didn't deny it. But with a collection of at least dozens of classic shots like Reyes', if anyone could pull off a similar "Z-shot," it would only be "The Magician" himself.

Compiled by Xuan Binh