Ranola makes AMWAY 9-ball Last 24

The Philippines’ Iris “Fighter” Ranola remained on track for a first world title as the Zamboanga native stormed into the Last 24 of the 12 AMWAY eSpring Women’s World 9-Ball Open Championship Saturday in Taipei, Taiwan.

The reigning Southeast Asian Games double gold medallist Ranola, playing under the banner of sportsman/businessman Aristeo “Putch” Puyat, reached the Final 24 after posting a 3-2 win-loss card in the single round eliminations in Group stage, which is composed of six players.

“I hope Iris (Ranola) keeps her winning streak,” Puyat said.

Ranola defeated Laetitia Dos Santos of France, 7-5, in a do-or-die match to progress.

“Laetitia (Dos Santos) is a strong player but I played better in the end game,” said Ranola, PSA awardee.

Ranola opened her campaign in sizzling fashion, posting big wins against heavyweight Fu Xiao-Fang of China, 7-4. She lost to Bo-Ra Jung of Korea, 1-7, then bounced back by beating Mirjana Grujicic of Venezuela, 7-2, before losing to Chieh-Yu Chou of Chinese-Taipei, 0-7. Ranola edged Dos Santos, 7-5, to book a seat to the Last 24.

“I am targetting Top 16,” said Ranola, former National Open womens champion.

However, compatriot and fellow Puyat Sports team mate and former Women’s World 10-ball champion Rubilen “Bingkay” Amit failed to advance in the knock-out stage. The Cebuana bet Amit fell to Si-ming Chen of China, 1-7, in a must win situation. Amit finished 2-3 win-loss card in the group play.

She beat Magda Kleingeld of Republic of South Africa, 7-0, and Kaori Ebe of Japan, 7-3, in the first two matches but fell to Ya-Ting Chan of Chinese-Taipei 5-7, Han-Ru Yang of China, 2-7, and Chen, 1-7, respectively.