Rubilen Amit captures Women's Challenge of Champions crown

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino cue artist Rubilen Amit is named the champion of the Women's Challenge of Champions over Russia's Kristina Tkach in the finals between two World Pool Association (WPA) champions.

During the finals of the 8-Ball event, Amit, the Women's World 9-Ball Champion, bested Tkach, who is the 10-Ball Champion in the special tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Tkach first took the 10-ball match before Amit defeated the Russian in the 9-ball event and later went into a tiebreaker in the 8-ball event, 6-3, claiming the title and a cash prize of $15,000.

In an interview with the Predator Pro Billiard Series, Amit admitted she has not tried the 8-ball in a while.

"It's quite unusual because I haven't played 8-ball for like more than 10 years competitively," she said.

Amit is aiming to defend her title in the upcoming WPA World 9-ball Championships in Green Bay, Wisconsin on July 2-6.

She is also participating in the semifinals of the Las Vegas Women's Open, following her victory against Taiwan's Wang Wan-Ling in the quarterfinals. ARIC JOHN SY CUA