PHNOM PENH, Cambodia—Billiards legend Efren “Bata” Reyes suffered an early exit in the 32^nd Southeast Asian Games after falling prey to Cambodia’s naturalized player Woo Dong Hoon in the men’s 3-cushion carom single event.

Efren 'Bata' Reyes

Reyes absorbed a 40-15 beating from Woo in the Round of 16 to get knocked out of the medal contention in the event held at the Aeon 2 Sen Seok here.

A victory for Reyes could have set him up a quarterfinals meeting with Thailand’s Suriya Suwannasingh.

The multiple SEAG bronze medalist in the one-cushion billiards said it was the first time he met his opponent, who has Korean lineage.

“I thought I could beat him. I didn’t know that this is his game, that he’s really good,” said Reyes in Filipino.

The PH team, however, is still in contention in the event after Francisco Dela Cruz downed Thailand’s Thongchai Punyawee, 35-27, to advance to the quarters.

He will next clash with Indonesia’s Jhonny Chandra.

At 68, Reyes said he’s ready to pass the torch to younger generations – that is, if they could find one.

“If there will be younger players who can play this game, I can give up my spot for them,” he said.