PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – The Philippines conceded the men’s 9-ball singles title after Johann Chua and Carlo Biado dropped their opening matches in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games at the Aeon 2 Sen Sok.
Chua was dethroned as the 9-ball king of Southeast Asia after losing to Maung Maung Phone Myint Kyaw of Myanmar, 9-8.
Biado, the losing finalist to Chua in the event in Hanoi last year, bowed to Feri Satriyadi of Indonesia, 9-7, in the round-of-16.
The loss also comes after two-gold Hanoi SEA Games winner Rubilen Amit lost to Santhinee Jaisuekul in the first match of the women’s three-cushion carom.
Amit will not be defending her 9-ball and 10-ball gold due to the absence of women’s pool events.
Meanwhile, Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes begins his campaign in the men’s three-cushion carom singles against Woo Donghoon of Cambodia.
The match is at 6 p.m. (7 p.m. Philippine standard time) with the Filipino fans expected to troop to witness the billiards legend.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph