Efren “Bata” Reyes lost to Vietnamese Dinh Nai Ngo 14-100 in one cushion carom of the billiards event of the 30th SEA Games competition at the Manila Hotel.
Still, Reyes is now assured of bringing a bronze medal for the Philippines.
After his victory against Reyes, Dinh Nai Ngo asked for a photo with the legendary pool player.
Shortly after he won the match, Ngo Dinh Hai asked for a photo with Efren 'Bata' Reyes #SEAGames2019 @spinph pic.twitter.com/h1ZJwxsNO0
— Reuben Terrado (@reubensports) December 6, 2019
A netizen translated the act of the Vietnamese to show respect to Reyes who’s considered as the greatest pool player of all time.
“U know Efren Bata Reyes is a legend when the Vietnamese who defeated him asked for a photo with him. Cute!!! Laban pa rin tayo!!” netizen @jyaaap remarked.
U know Efren Bata Reyes is a legend when the Vietnamese who defeated him asked for a photo with him. Cute!!! Laban pa rin tayo!! ? #30thSEAGames2019
— J Yap (@jyaaaap) December 6, 2019
Ngo confirmed the translation of some netizens admitting that he asked for a photo with Reyes because he admires the Filipino pool player a lot.
Another netizen who watched the match still respected Reyes despite being defeated.
“Still, Efren “Bata” Reyes is stil my Champion! Saludo sayo sir,” Lansag Anino twitted.
Efren Reyes of Team Phil lose to Viet to 100-14
Still, Efren "Bata" Reyes is still my Champion!
Saludo sayo Sir! pic.twitter.com/lTaq2W8JKl
— Lansag Anino (@MrA1bigpa) December 6, 2019
Reyes’ latest match could be his final SEA Games stint.
The 65-year-old billiard player already admitted during the past interviews that he’s not in his 100% anymore as he suffers from shoulder problems.
“Hindi ko na maitaas. Wala na yung magic ko ngayon. Hindi na ko pwede mag-mase, hindi na ako pwede mag-kaliwa, masakit na. Kaya yung mga dating tinitira ko na may magic, wala na. Hindi na gagana,” said Reyes a day before his match against Ngo.
“Ibig sabihin dapat yung laban na ‘yun sandali lang ‘yun. Yung 100. Mga ilang tirahan lang. Ngayon, ang dami naming tira bago namin matapos yung 100,” he added.