Amit, Ranola carry Phl bid vs world best

MANILA, Philippines - Rubilen Amit and Iris Ranola banner the Philippines’ bid against the world’s top lady pool players as the Women’s World 10-Ball Championship unwraps today at the Robinson’s Galleria.

Amit, winner in 2009, drew defending champion Jasmin Ouschan of Austria in Group 1 of the eight-bracket field which also features the leading players from China, Chinese-Taipei, England and South Korea.

Joining Amit and Ouschan in their group are Taiwan’s Shin Mei Liu, American Monica Webb and Nataliya Seroshtan.

“Coming to an event as the defending champion is never easy. There is extra pressure on my shoulders but pressure is a privilege and that is how I see it. I will do my best and have a good time on the table and what happens happens,” said Ouschan.

Ranola, on the other hand, is in Group 2 in the company of fancied Chinese Xiaofang Fu, Taiwan’s Hua Shan Lai, Mary Rakin of the US and Russian Anastasia Necheava.

Ga Young Kim, Korea’s two-time world champion whom Ouschan toppled in last year’s finale, heads the Group 4 cast that includes compatriot Yun Mi Lim, Japanese Miyuki Fuke, American Emily Duddy and Melissa Rademakers of the Netherlands.

Chinese Siming Chen heads Group 3 along with Korean Yu Ram Cha, a former World Open champion, Keiko Yukawa of Japan, American Angel Paglia and Belgian Kamila Khodjeava.

Kelly Fisher and Allison Fisher, two of England’s ace masters, lead Groups 5 and 6, respectively, while Sha Sha Liu and Chieh Yu Chou of Taipei banner Groups 7 and 8, respectively.

Meanwhile, the three-day qualifiers end today with six slots still up for grabs to complete the 48-player field.

“Her fan base in Philippines has sky – rocketed since her win here. “But first it is about playing game and feeling good on the table. “

Backed by Yalin as title sponsor, the five-day event is supported by ABS-CBN Sports, Robinson’s Galleria, Predator Cues, Pool & Billiard Magazine, Top147.com, Simonis Cloth, Aramith Balls, Magic 89.9, and Crown Plaza Galleria Ortigas.

Games will be aired on ABS-CBN and ESPN Star Sports. For results and updates, visit www.WomensWorld10Ball.com.