Cue artist Rubilen Amit has a goal this year, and that is to reclaim the gold medal in this year’s Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia.
A six-time gold medal winner in the biennial event, Amit, however, has not won since ruling the 9-Ball women’s singles in Myanmar and a return atop the podium is what she’s aiming for when KL hosts the the event.
“That’s the objective,” said Amit yesterday.
“As always, I’ll try my very best. But in a single round competition like in the SEA Games, it’s anybody’s game. I don’t want to put pressure on myself. I’ll just give it my best and enjoy the game.”
But first things first for Amit since she still has to make the team as a tryout has been set in March with four of the top players in the women’s side set to slug it out for two SEA Games spots.
Also in the national team training pool are Singapore SEA Games gold medalist Cheska Centeno, who edged Amit two years ago in an the all-Filipino championship, Iris Ranola and Clarissa Andal.
While the Filipinas remain as the favorites to win the gold, Amit said that other countries are expected to vie for the title, like Indonesia, which has improved over the years.
“Ever since naman ang pinaka threat are the Indonesians. I think it would be the same,” said Amit. “Pero marami din naman na bansa na nag-improve na din in two years since the last SEA Games.”
“It’s hard to say lang sino ang mga ‘to kasi hindi namin sila nakikita sa ibang competitions. So mahirap sabihin, mahirap magsalita kasi hindi natin alam kung sino ang mga nag-improve na talaga,” added Amit.
As part of the training for the SEA Games, Amit is scheduled to compete in two important events – the International 9-Ball in Taiwan on March 2-5 and possibly in the China Open in June.
“We have a lot of tournaments lined up, including the two events. Magandang preparation itong mga to for the SEA Games,” said Amit, who has won the World 10-Ball Championship in 2009 and 2013.