By RAMON BONILLA
CHENGDU, China — Rubilen Amit has done it all.
A staple in Philippine billiards and in the same lofty footing with Efren “Bata” Reyes of Django Bustamante but in women’s play, the Cebuana ace knows no boundaries in big-ticket tournaments
But come the World Games, Amit is vulnerable. The Filipino pride is a wounded warrior in China.
Fighting back her tears to rather show her strength amid adversities, Amit revealed she is injured — a medical condition she would not disclose pending the doctor’s confirmation of her health status.
Yet, instead of begging off and staying at home to recover, heal, or reassess her career filled with sweet moments, Amit chose to take the cue and answer the call of duty.
“It has been my problem for a long time,” said Amit while dining at Athletes’ Village Friday morning, Aug. 8.
“It’s a challenge. But best effort for the country,” added the two-time 10-ball world champion and the 2024 9-ball titlist.
The 43-year-old Amit, a wrecking ball in the Southeast Asian Games, withdrew from the World Pool Championship in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia last month for the same concern.
“Maybe fatigue, stress? But I just want to play and compete for the Philippines. This has been my vow ever since,” she said.
Action for Amit, along with her teammates Chezka Centeno and Jeff de Luna, begins Sunday, Aug. 10, at the Civil Aviation Flight University of China – Tianfu Campus.
There, the top 12 billiards players in the 10-ball event fight for the Chengdu medals.
Amit would not mind risking it all.
