Amit, Centeno barge into Round of 16 in 10-Ball World Championship

LIVING on a prayer.

And this was Rubilen Amit’s secret to success all this time and most of it was answered including this one in the Banca del Fucino WPA Women’s 10-Ball World Championship in Rome, Italy where she survived elimination and barged into the Round of 16.

“When it comes to the point that I know I couldn’t handle a shot or a situation, I go into prayer,” said the 44-year-old Mandaue, Cebu native who is considered as the Efren “Bata” Reyes of Philippine women’s pool.

Ms. Amit smashed Argentine Soledad Ayala, 4-0, 4-2, in the losers’ qualification to claim a spot to the knockout Last 16 where she was playing at press time unbeaten Japanese Yuki Hiraguchi.

Ms. Amit has almost won it all, having been world 9-ball champion once and twice in this annual event.

She had a chance to claim a historic third world 10-ball crown last year in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam when she made it to the finals only to lose to a friend and countrywoman Chezka Centeno.

But Ms. Amit would have a chance again to achieve what she originally set out for.

“I’m just trying to enjoy every match, every ball and see where it goes,” she said.

Interestingly, Ms. Centeno likewise survived the losers’ group and joined Ms. Amit, her friend, idol and mentor, in the knockout phase after trouncing German Pia Filler, 4-2, 4-1.

She too is a two-time winner here and if she wins again, would become the most titled in this event.

Ms. Centeno was battling American teenage sensation Savannah Easton as of this writing. — Joey Villar