Rubilen Amit on the verge of historic World 9-Ball title

MANILA, Philippines – Rubilen Amit is on the cusp of another world pool crown.

Amit advanced to the final of the WPA World 9-Ball Championship in Hamilton, New Zealand, after a come-from-behind 3-2 win over Russia’s Kristina Tkach on Saturday, September 7.

Overcoming a 1-2 set deficit, the Filipina star returned the final for the first time since 2007 as she inched closer to a new world title after twice reigning in the 10-Ball Championship in 2009 and 2013.

Amit, 42, completed her comeback by using the three ball to sink the nine ball on the corner pocket, winning the deciding set by a 4-1 score.

The 9-Ball Championship has been elusive for Amit, who lost to China’s Pan Xiaoting, 11-5, in the final of the 2007 edition.

Amit made the semifinals in 2018 and 2019 but failed to progress, bowing to China’s Han Yu and Austria’s Jasmine Ouschan, respectively.

Hoping to become the first Filipina to rule the event, Amit battles 2017 champion Chen Siming of China in the final on Sunday, September 8.

Chen, who made the final for the fourth time, goes into her clash with Amit beaming with confidence after a 3-0 sweep of Japan’s Chihiro Kawahara in the semifinals. – Rappler.com