Two-time World champion Rubilen Amit spearheaded a strong finish by Team East that carried the host squad past a resurgent Team West, 10-7, Saturday night to capture the AM8.com Queen’s Cup at Resorts World Manila.
Amit, living up to her role as skipper, powered East to wins in three-on-three, four-on-four and singles to successfully retain the title.
“I’m very nervous, I’m more nervous here now than I was last week when I was competing in Chinese Taipei (International 9-ball) because I don’t want to disappoint my countrymen and my teammates,” said Amit after receiving the trophy.
She steered a youthful team also composed of current World No. 1 and World champion Siming Chen of China, Eunji Park of South Korea and Jennifer Chen of Chinese Taipei.
“It’s been a fantastic week, and the fans here, you guys rock,” said West captain Ewa Laurance. “They’re very supportive and show enough class to support our team, too.”
The Swede pool artist Laurance, former world champion and Billiards Congress of American Hall of Famer, was backed up by fellow Hall of Famer Karen Corr of Ireland, and Vivian Villareal and Jennifer Barretta of the United States.