World 9-ball champion Rubilen Amit hopes for the continued resurgence of billiards in the Philippines amid the ongoing buzz about the inaugural Reyes Cup in Manila.
The sight of long lines and enthusiastic crowds at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila for the 2024 Reyes Cup was enough to bring a smile to Rubilen Amit's face.
As one of the Philippines’ most decorated billiards players, Amit expressed her joy at witnessing the resurgence of billiards in the country.
“Seeing all these Filipinos very eager to support their boys, Team Asia, nakakatuwa. Sana more of this to come,” Amit told One Sports.
The recently-crowned World 9-Ball champion is not only proud of the support for Filipino players but is also focused on her busy schedule.
She is set to leave for Bacolod on Saturday to compete in a local tournament, which she sees as a valuable tune-up event for the World 10-ball Championships in Puerto Rico in November.
“It will be against male players. Actually, it's a tune-up tournament for Puerto Rico in November,” said Amit.
“The tournament is around November 10-16. This will be the World 10-ball Championships wherein si Chezka [Centeno] ‘yung defending champion,” she added.
As she gears up for the tournament, Amit is also looking at the bigger picture, as she hopes that the next generation of Filipinos will take up billiards, recognizing the sport as one where the country continues to excel globally.
“I really hope more of the younger generation would pick up the sport kasi it’s a really beautiful sport and mapapansin natin talagang dito talaga tayo nag-e-excel in a world-class level,” Amit emphasized.
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The 43-year-old Pinay pool player believes that once young athletes experience the game, it will be hard for them to stop.
“I hope they come and watch and support, feel the energy, and then hopefully, with that, they get inspired to play the game. Which is, feeling ko pag nasimulan nila maglaro, talagang magtuloy-tuloy,” Amit bared.
(With reports from Maureen Muarip/One Sports Digital)