HANOI – Billiards legend Efren "Bata" Reyes added another Southeast Asian Games bronze medal to his collection on Wednesday, finishing third in one-cushion carom at the 31st SEA Asian Games.
Reyes, 67, ended his bid for a gold medal after he was stopped by home bet Tran Thanh Tu Nguyen in the semifinals, 55-100, at the Ha Dong Gymnasium.
A good 40 years older than his opponent, the former nine-ball and eight-ball world champion, struggled to string points in his innings.
After a 5-0 start, Reyes would not be able to take back the lead anymore as Thanh would dictate the pace.
This is Reyes' fifth bronze in a row in SEA Games one-cushion carom.
Reyes competed as the oldest delegate in the biennial meet here.
Despite the loss, Vietnam was able to make Reyes feel right at home with a warm welcome.
Fans swarmed the billiards great in the venue.
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