SEA Games: Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes finishes with bronze in carom

Efren Bata Reyes in the men’s 1-cushion carom in the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.

MANILA, Philippines—Efren “Bata” Reyes was denied entry in the gold medal round after losing to home bet Tranh Thanh Tu Nguyen in men’s 1-cushion carom Wednesday at the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam.

Reyes, widely regarded as the greatest player in the sport, failed to capitalize on numerous chances as Tranh pulled away quickly.

The loss ended Reyes’ bid to make the finals where he would’ve been given a shot to claim a first gold since the 1987 Jakarta SEA Games.

Reyes, 67, also finished with the bronze in 2019 in Manila.

Francisco Dela Cruz also finished with a bronze for the Philippines in the same event after falling to another Vietnamese.

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