Rubilen Amit is a name synonymous with excellence in the sport of billiards. As the first Filipina to win the prestigious WPA Women’s World 9-Ball Championship, her accomplishments have not only brought pride to the Philippines but have also shattered barriers in a predominantly male-dominated sport.
Rubilen Amit's journey toward becoming a billiards legend did not begin with pool cues and balls. In fact, her first love was basketball. Born in Cebu City, Amit was naturally athletic and competitive. She enjoyed playing basketball with her peers until the age of 12 when her classmates began focusing on other activities. Sensing a new opportunity, her father introduced her to billiards.
Initially, billiards was just a casual game for Amit, played with her cousins for fun. But it soon became apparent that she had a natural talent for the sport. Her father recognized this talent early on and motivated her by offering rewards like shirts and pants for every competition she won.
This encouragement fueled Amit's growing passion for the game, and soon she was honing her skills at a competitive level. The support of her family, particularly her father, played a significant role in her early development and love for billiards.
In the world of billiards, male players like Efren “Bata” Reyes have long dominated the scene. However, Amit’s success proved that women, too, could rise to the top in this sport. Throughout her career, Amit faced opponents who underestimated her, especially when competing against male players. Despite this, she maintained her composure, demonstrating her ability to stay calm under pressure—a key trait that contributed to her success.
Amit has consistently proven that gender is no barrier when it comes to skill and excellence in billiards. Her success has paved the way for other female athletes who aspire to succeed in sports traditionally dominated by men. By breaking down these barriers, Rubilen Amit’s legacy is not only about her personal achievements but also about creating opportunities for future generations of female billiards players.
One of Rubilen Amit's most significant career milestones came in September 2023, when she clinched the coveted WPA Women’s World 9-Ball Championship in Hamilton, New Zealand. This win was the culmination of years of hard work and near-misses, including finishing as a runner-up in 2007 and reaching the semifinals in 2018 and 2019.
With her victory over China’s Chen Siming in the final, Amit cemented her status as a world champion in the sport she loves.
But her achievements don't stop there. Amit has also won the WPA Women’s World 10-Ball Championship twice. In 2009, she beat former world number one Jeanette Lee in the quarterfinals, followed by victories over Akimi Kajitani of Japan and Shin-Mei Liu of Taiwan to secure her title. She added a second 10-ball world title in 2013 by defeating Kelly Fisher in the finals at Resorts World Manila.
These accomplishments have established Amit as one of the most decorated female billiards players globally, further solidifying her legendary status in the sport.
Beyond her achievements on the billiards table, Rubilen Amit is also known for her advocacy for mental health awareness. As a board member of Project: Steady Asia, a mental health initiative under Rock Ed Philippines, she helps provide support for athletes dealing with the pressures of competitive sports. The program offers mental wellness sessions, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, these were made accessible to the public via Zoom.
Amit has been an outspoken advocate for mental health, believing that mental resilience is just as important as physical prowess in sports. Alongside fellow Filipino athletes like Olympic weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, Amit has facilitated mental wellness sessions, encouraging others to seek help and prioritize their mental well-being. Her involvement in this initiative highlights her holistic approach to success, both in sports and in life.
Throughout her career, Rubilen Amit’s family has been her bedrock of support. From her father, who introduced her to billiards, to her extended family who have cheered her on, Amit has always had a strong network behind her. This support has been crucial, especially in a sport that requires mental toughness and focus. Amit often cites her family as one of the key reasons she has been able to overcome the challenges in her career.
Her family’s encouragement helped her stay grounded, even in the face of adversity. In a sport that often requires long hours of practice and travel for international competitions, having a reliable support system has been essential to her success.
Amit's influence extends beyond her own achievements. She is committed to growing the sport of billiards, especially among women. To this end, she launched the Amit Cup, a tournament designed to give amateur female players a platform to showcase their skills.
The event encourages young women to take up billiards, teaching them the same lessons of discipline, focus, and mental fortitude that Amit learned throughout her career.
The Amit Cup is more than just a tournament; it’s part of a larger movement to empower women in sports. Amit hopes that through initiatives like this, more Filipinas will see billiards as a viable sport where they, too, can excel and make a mark.
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