SA ikalawang pagkakataon ay nasungkit ni Rubilen Amit ang korona sa World 10-Ball Championship. Tinalo ni Amit sa finals ang kasalukuyang number 1 sa world ranking na si Kelly Fisher sa harap mismo ng kanyang mga kababayan sa Resorts World Manila. Matapos lamang ang tatlong araw ay pinagunahan rin niya ang koponan ng Asya na mapanalunan ang Queen’s Cup sa nasabi ring venue. Nakausap kamakailan ni Bandera correspondent Eric Dimzon ang Billiards Queen ng bansa at ito ang kanyang kuwento.
Ano ang pakiramdam na muli kang nagkampeon sa Women’s World 10-Ball Championship?
It felt great not only because it was the second time but because I was winless for some time. Kaya medyo big blessing po para sa akin.
Inasahan mo ba na mag-champion ka uli dito?
Sa totoo lang po, when I entered the tournament, I really prepared for it. Pero I did not expect to win. I told God that I am surrendering it all to Him. And that I trust His plan for me. I am glad God made it all happen.
Mas naging matindi ba ang pressure na sa Pilipinas ginawa ang torneo?
That’s the funny thing nga eh. Every time na mag-iis-start ang tournament, mas nakaka-pressure dahil dito nga ginawa ‘yung tournament. But the thing is, when the tournament went on, ‘yung mga kababayan natin became an ally talaga. I take it as a positive factor na makapaglaro in front of our kababayan. Instead of saying ‘uy, kailangan kong maglaro nang maganda para sa kanila’ it became ‘uy, may kakampi ako’. Kahit na magkamali ako, nandyan pa rin sila. Kaya nga ‘yung mga momentum shift ng mga kalaban, di ko masyadong naramdaman dahil sa crowd. The crowd behind me would say na ‘kaya mo yan’. Nasanay lang tayo na pag dito ang tournament, mas malaki ang pressure. Pero sa totoo lang, ang laking tulong ang crowd support.
Ano ang masasabi mo na pati ang Senado bibigyan ka ng parangal at pagkilala?
I read about it through the internet. Through the initiative po yata ni Sen. Sonny Angara. For the Senate to recognize the effort that I put in, malaking bagay po sa akin. As an athlete lalo akong magpupursige. The recognition, for me, represents not only the Senate but the entire country as well.
Ano naman ang feeling na nasundan agad ito ng isa pang panalo ng Team Asia mo sa Queen’s Cup?
I was really having a difficult time adjusting to the team event. Kasi sa first day of team event, kulang ako sa tulog. After winning, ‘yung adrenalin ko ayaw bumaba kaya di ako makatulog. But I had to settle down kasi there’s the team event. I had to set aside ‘yung unang panalo and concentrate on the second tournament. The first day was a struggle and the team was just beginning to blend. Tapos may language barrier pa. Di ko sila masyadong maintindihan. Tapos ‘yung mga games namin, magkakaiba. And it was our first time to play together as a team. Kaya ang hirap talaga.
I’m glad lang na for some reason, I decided to rest. Nung second day, I went home. I would practice only in the afternoon. I am happy that we won. Looking back, I realize na seryoso ‘yung mga kasama ko na manalo. Ito siguro ‘yung pinakamabigat na dahilan kung bakit kami nanalo.
Bakit sa tingin mo sadyang magaling ang mga Pinoy sa billiards?
Siguro po, kasi walang masyadong height requirement. Billiards is also a mental game. Eh ang Pinoy magaling mag-focus. As a nation, marami na tayong pinagdaanan. Lagi tayong palaban. ‘Yung character ng Pinoy, nadadala sa game kaya nananalo ang Pinoy. Pero ‘yung walang height requirement ang pinakadahilan (sabay tawa).
Lalaro ka ba sa SEA Games this December?
Yes sir. Two events po, ‘yung 9-ball at 10-ball po.
Sure golds ba tayo?
If you think about it, I won the world championship. So supposedly, I should win the golds. Pero I will just come into the SEA Games with the same attitude as the world championship. I’ll prepare and do my best. But it is only the Lord who knows if I will win the gold medals.
Bakit billiards ang napili mong sport?
Somehow, parang I didn’t choose it but it chose me. When I was young, I was really into basketball. Kaso, I didn’t grow tall. Tapos in Cebu, I would tag along with my dad whenever he plays billiards. Napansin ng dad ko na ‘yung learning curve ko, mas mabilis. My dad told me that I have the talent for billiards. That’s when I decided to pursue the sport.
Ano ang maipapayo mo sa mga nangangarap na maging world billiards champion na tulad mo?
Based on experience, you have to put in a lot of work. There are no shortcuts. And be humble. A lot of people will help you to get better naman.
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