Philippine President confers awards on billiards champions

Filipino billiards champions Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante received special honors from Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday for their achievements in the game.

Reyes received the Order of Lakandula with the rank Champion for Life while Bustamante received the presidential medal of merit.

The development follows Reyes' conquest of the World Open 8- Ball Championship of the International Pool Tour 2006 in Reno, Nevada, last month.

The Order of Lakandula is a political and civic honor for Filipinos who uphold Rajah Lakandula's ideals of courage, leadership and public service.

The 52-year-old Reyes, dubbed in international billiards circles as "The Magician," is undoubtedly among the most beloved sporting icons in the Philippines.

Bustamante, another legendary Filipino cue master, received the Presidential Medal of Merit, also for bringing honor to the country in various international billards tilts.

Prizefighter Manny Pacquiao is the first recipient of the Champion for Life title in July.

Source: Xinhua