Reyes-Amit to defend world mixed doubles title in China

MANILA, Philippines – Pool maestro Efren “Bata” Reyes and former world champion Rubilen Amit will be hard-pressed to keep their crown in the World Mixed Doubles Championship starting Tuesday in Hangzhou, China.

Reyes and Amit, who represented the country in the recent Southeast Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia, ruled the inaugural edition of the event in Manila in 2009 but will be challenged by a stronger field this time.

They will be joined by another formidable Filipino pair made up of reigning San Miguel Beer Octoberfest 9-Ball Open champion Lee Vann Corteza and SEA Games double-gold medalist Iris Rañola.

“Both teams have very good chances of winning,” said PH billiards godfather Putch Puyat, longtime supporter of Reyes, Amit and Rañola. “These are very strong teams.”

Out to test the Filipinos’ mettle in the event organized by Dragon Promotions is reigning World 10-Ball champion Kelly Fisher, who will team up with Tommy Donlon in one of two British teams.

Also given good chances are Team USA of Johnny Archer and “The Black Widow” Jeanette Lee, Team Finland of Mika Immonen and Marika Poikkijoki, Team Chinese Taipei of Chao Fong-pang and Tsai Pei-chen, and hometown aces Li Hewen and Fu Xiaofang.

“Reyes and Amit recognize the difficulty of playing in the scotch doubles format and have prepared for the event for months,” said Puyat.

At stake is a top prize of $15,000.