Amit leads PH team to world 9-ball

CEBUANA Rubilen “Bingkay” Amit, Iris Ranola and Mary Ann Basas, the so-called Big 3 of Philippine women’s billiards, will try to extend the country’s domination of the sport when they compete in the 2012 AMWAY eSpring Women’s World 9-Ball Open from March 12 to 18 in Taipei, Taiwan.

The tournament is sanctioned by WPA and the ABPU and organized by the Chinese Taipei Billiards Federation (CTBF). It offers a total prize fund of $70,000 with the champion getting the lion’s share worth $20,000. The losing finalist will receive $10,000.

“We will try our best to bring honor to our country,” said the 30-year-old Amit, the 2009 Women’s World 10-Ball Champion who hails from Mandaue City, Cebu. She is one of the top players of sportsman/businessman Aristeo “Putch” Puyat.

Amit, who will receive a major award in next week’s SMB-SAC All-Cebu Sports Awards, is currently ranked No.15 in the latest World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) women’s ranking list while the Zamboanga City pride Ranola is listed at No. 24. The Davao star Basas is not included in the top 100 in the world.

The trio trains under the watchful eye of national billiards coach Boyet Asonto.

Meanwhile, Geona Christine Gregorio, Reggie Ann Biagcong and Gillian Go of Quezon City are tied at No. 92 in the WPA rankings list. Siming Chen and Xiao Fang-fu of China occupy the top two spots.  /Correspondent Marlon Bernardino