Fisher, Reyes Named Players of Decade

News flash: Efren Reyes and Allison Fisher were named today as the male and female players of the decade by the United States Billiard Media Association. Reyes -- also known as "The Magician" or "Bata" -- amassed nearly $1.7 million in prize money during the decade, according to an USBMA release. Fisher won 27 profession billiard association classic tour titles during the same period.

Reyes and Fisher were chosen by members of the USMBA, who also select Hall of Fame inductees. Reyes outpolled fellow legends Johnny Archer, Ralf Souquet and Mika Immonen in the balloting. Fisher was named Player of The Decade on all but two of the USMBA ballots, with Karen Corr and Jasmin Ouschan also receiving votes, according to the organzation.

Reyes' dominant performance during the first decade of the new century included victories in 20 major professional pool tournaments, beginning with the $30,000 Camel Pro 8-Ball Championship in 2000 and his twin victories in the short-lived but lucrative International Pool Tour. Those victories alone netted him $765,000. Reyes also won four one-pocket crowns, four eight-ball titles, and 14 nineball titles. Reyes won the Derby City All-Around title three times during the decade.

Fisher, arguably the greatest female player of all time, continued her dominance of women's pool, adding 27 titles between 2000 and 2010. She also earned the gold medal at the 2009 World Games and was the 2000 BCA U.S. Open 14.1 champion. She received $637,000 in tournament winnings over the decade. She was also the most dominant player in women's pool during the decade of the 90s.


-- R.A. Dyer