MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Tournament Favorites Rubilen “Bingkay” Amit hurdle her first round assignment at the start of 1st BSCP Women's National Pool Championships Monday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila here.
The 25-years-old Cebuana Amit, the 2005 Manila Southeast Asian Games double gold medalist defeated unheralded Maria Mildred Almero, 9-5, in the event presented by San Miguel Corporation offers P200,000 for the champion.
Tied at 3 all count, Amit clustered three straight racks in the race-to-9, alternate break format to surge a 6-3 lead. Almero won the 10th and 11th racks to close the match at 6-5 count. However Amit, the country's representative in next month 2007 Amway World Women's Championships in Taiwan never looked back to seal the 9-5 victory.
“Inaasahan ko na agad na magiging dikitan ang laban. Kaya sa una pa lamang ay ayaw kong mag kumpiyansa kasi 9-ball ito. Mahirap ng ma upset lalong-lalu na kailangan kong manalo sa event na ito para pang tulong sa gastusin ko next month sa World Championships ( I expect the game to be tough and so close).” Said the 5-foot-3 Amit, who finished last 24 in the last year's Amway World Women's Championships in Taiwan.
“Y'ung round trip ticket pa lamang ang commitment ni Sir Putch (Puyat) sa paglaro ko next month sa World Championships kaya malaking tulong kong mananalo po ako dito sa BSCP. Pandagdag ika nga (Mr. Puyat assured my round trip ticket).” She added.
Meanwhile, Minse Grace Mercurio, lone female entry of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) upset veteran campaigner Makati's hopeful Ces Marquez, 9-7, to advance in the next round.
The game was tied at 5-5 count to 7-7 count before Mercurio clustered the next two racks for the victory.
“Naka tsamba lamang po. Nagpapasalamat po ako kina Boss Jonathan (Sy) at coach Christopher (Palses) na silang gumabay at sumagot ng gastusin ko paglahok dito sa Manila ( I just lucky in my game).” She added.
Amit and Mercurio will clash today for the winner's side brackets.
In late results, Jingle David bested Anna Tulauan, 9-2, even Michaela Claveria outpointed Jareleen Maldonado, 9-5. David will collide Claveria today.
Meanwhile, Mary Ann Basas defeated Ian de Luna, 9-1. “Magaling talaga si Mary Ann (Basas). Hindi siya nagkakamali, she played 100%.” said Ian, wife of 2006 Doha Asian Games silver medalist Jeffrey de Luna.
Basas will face the winner of the matches between Johanna Dee-Michelle Custorio tussle.
Late pairing, Kate Ong versus Christy Danar while Michelle Flores up against Iris Rañola.
Caroline Amante withdrew at the last minute according to tournament director Mario Aquino.
