Men's Nine Ball Classic - Earl Strickland, Richmond, Ky.

He and the other rookie of the tournament, David Alcaide, upset the American top duo Earl Strickland and Johnny Archer 7-2 in their doubles confrontation.

Earl Strickland wins the lag.

Unfortunately, he was defeated Earl Strickland who would later win it.

Two years later, Efren Reyes and Earl Strickland were chosen to face each other in an event called the Color of Money, named after the movie.

They defeated Team USA, Earl Strickland and Rodney Morris, to capture the title.

In the final, he met Earl Strickland, the 2-time winner of the tournament.

He also was closing to winning the US Open Nine-ball Championship in 2000 but lost to Earl Strickland, 5-11, in the finals.

He nearly had a shot for a second world title in 2002 but again was defeated by Earl Strickland in the semis.

Earl Strickland of the U.S. is the record-holder for winning the Men's U.S. Open the most times: five, in 1984, 1987, 1993, 1997, and 2000.