Bata loses magic in carom

HO CHI MINH (Via Globe Telecom) — Efren "Bata" Reyes, among the world-class players in the Philippines contingent here, was a failure in his first event in the 22nd SEA Games yesterday as he was beaten by compatriot Reynaldo Grandea, 25-50, in a bronze medal battle in the three-carom cushion event at the Nguyen Du Sports Center.

But Reyes felt the fourth-place finish was good enough, considering he’s not accustomed to playing the event known in the Philippines as "karambola."

"Di talaga natin event ito pero dito nila tayo inilagay, so laban pa rin tayo," he said.

Truly, the 49-year-old Filipino pool master put up a fight, hurdling Indonesia’s Jimmy Aryanto, 41-27, to advance to the semifinals.

Grandea also made it to the semis at the expense of an Indonesian, Herowanto Djaudin.

But Reyes and Grandea were both eased out of the gold medal picture by a Vietnamese rival. Reyes bowed to Ly The Vihn and Grandea to Duong Anh Vu.

Amids the jeers of the Vietnamese crowd, Reyes managed to take a 25-12 lead against Ly The Vinh and maintained it at 27-17.

But the Vietnam bet, with help from the rowdy audience, caught up with Reyes at 34-34 then went on to win, 50-43, crushing the Filipino’s title hopes.

Reyes is also entered in two other events he is not used to playing–the one-cushion carom and English billiards doubles which he’ll play with Grandea.

But Reyes is expected to weave his magic in the 9-ball singles, an event which has netted him a world title in 1999.

Reyes and fellow world-class player Francisco "Django" Bustamante are entered in 9-ball singles, which will be played tomorrow. — Nelson Beltran