Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 4) – Eight of the best Filipino pool stars seek to defend the country’s title in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The ageless Efren “Bata” Reyes will lead the charge for the billiards and snooker team, according to the announcement made by the Billiard Sports Confederation of the Philippines.
The 67-year-old Filipino billiards icon will compete in the men’s 1-cushion carom event, where he finished with a bronze medal in 2019. Reyes is also listed in the men’s 3-cushion carom competition.
2021 US Open Pool champion Carlo Biado will represent the country in the men’s 10-ball and 9-ball singles events. Dennis Orcollo won the gold in the 10-ball singles event three years ago.
Former world champion Rubilen Amit and Chezka Centeno will defend their titles in the women’s 9-ball and 10-ball singles divisions, respectively.
Johann Chua will join Biado in vying for a podium finish in the men’s 10-ball and 9-ball singles events.
Alvin Barbero and Jefrey Roda are the country’s top bets in snooker as they are listed in the men’s snooker singles and 6-red singles.
2019 SEA Games bronze medalist Francisco Dela Cruz complete the squad as he will compete alongside Reyes in the men’s 1-cushion carom and 3-cushion carom events.
Billiards legend Francisco “Django” Bustamante will be the Philippine team’s head coach and will be assisted by Roy Vincent Malinao.
The Philippines topped the 2019 SEA Games billiards and snooker tournaments held at home soil after clinching four golds, three silvers, and five bronzes.
The 31st SEA Games billiards and snooker competitions are slated from May 14-22.
