2027 gold target after first billiards team silver

In a pressure-cooker situation like the English billiards men's team final, even the best in the business like Singapore's Peter Gilchrist and Myanmar's Pauk Sa, who share 10 SEA Games singles titles between them, can get shaky.

- David Lee

Singapore's Peter Gilchrist playing a shot as compatriot Karthik Ramaswamy looks on during their 3-1 loss to Myanmar in the English billiards men's team final at the Thunder Dome in Muang Thong Thani on Dec 14.

(BRIAN TEO)

Hence, it was no surprise that their supporting cast were also hit by nerves, as Singapore's Karthik Ramaswamy could not make big breaks, while Nay Thway Oo reached out to take a jacket to cover his cold hands.

Ultimately, it was the Burmese who prevailed 3-1 to deny Singapore a historic gold in this event.

Gilchrist, who beat Pauk Sa for the singles gold on Dec 12, told The Straits Times: "I won my singles match today in one visit and had a couple of decent chances in the doubles. But if you miss in the doubles, you're not coming to the table for another few goes and you're just not in control.