MANILA, Philippines - Newly crowned world 10-ball champion Rubilen Amit looks forward to bringing more honor to the country when she vies for the gold medals in the 27th Southeast Asian Games set in Myanmar next month.
Amit made history as the first two-time winner of the prestigious world 10-ball tilt, copping the 2013 crown with a pulsating come-from-behind 10-7 win over Kelly Fisher of Britain in Monday night’s finale. She previously reigned in 2009.
“This is a big confidence booster going to the next tournaments,†she said.
Amit has been tapped to carry the Phl’s fight in the Myanmar SEAG, where she will contend for the mint in the inaugural 10-ball event. She is also set to vie in the 9-ball competition.
“That’s (9-ball gold) is really my target in the SEAG,†she said.
Amit has so far harvested four gold medals since women’s billiards became a medal sport in 2005. She swept the 8-ball and 9-ball golds in both the 2005 and 2009 editions and won an 8-ball bronze in 2007. Two years ago in Indonesia, Amit took runner-up honors to compatriot Iris Rañola in 9-ball play.
The pride of Cebu rose to the top of world again after a four-year wait.
She said she trained so hard for the world tilt but didn’t expect much to ease up the pressure.
But Pinoy fans expected so much from their premier lady cuemaster.
“I was really pressured. But thank God, He still gave it to me. The crowd was also a big help to my title bid, they helped carry me through,†she said.
Amit admitted feeling nervous during the pressure-packed title showdown. She bungled a shot on the 10-ball in the 10th rack that instead of knotting the count, allowed Fisher to go up by 6-4.
But the Brit wilted under pressure, too. The 2011 champ committed a number of mistakes in the succeeding racks, giving Amit the opportunity to strike back.
“It’s all about determination, if given a chance, take advantage,†said Amit.