Filipina Rubilen Amit defeated China’s Siming Chen, 3-1 (1-4, 4-2, 4-2, 4-3), to win the Massé WPA (World Pool-Billiard Association) Women’s World 9-Ball Championship in Hamilton, New Zealand on Sunday.

Amit, the first Filipino winner of the event, took home the top prize of USD50,000, an advance birthday gift before she turns 43 on October 3.

The losing Chinese settled for USD30,000.

A total of 48 players competed.

Amit marched to the finals when she overcame a 1-2 sets deficit and beat Russian Kristina Tkach, 2-4, 4-3, 2-4, 4-1, 4-1.

Chen dominated Japanese Chihiro Kawahara, 4-3,4-0,4-0, in the other semifinal.

Amit, who hails from Mandaue, Cebu, was in tears after sinking the 9-ball as she finally nailed the prize 17 years after finishing runner-up.

She was also World 10-Ball champion in 2009 and 2013, and 10-time singles and doubles gold medalist in the Southeast Asian Games. (Photo courtesy of Predator Pro Billiard Series/PNA)