Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes, left, and Rubilen Amit display their championship trophies after ruling the 2009 World Mixed Doubles Classic at the Nuvo Life Style Center in Libis, Quezon City. (Photo by BOB DUNGO JR.)

It’s not easy to be teamed up with the greatest pool player in the world.

That’s what Rubilen Amit learned for three days when she partnered the pool maestro Efren “Bata” Reyes during the World Mixed Doubles Classic at the Nuvo City Lifestyle Center in Libis, Quezon City.

But instead of being intimidated, Amit was more inspired to play, coming through with one big shot after another as the two hammered out a thrilling 9-7 victory over Korea’s Charlie Williams and Eun Ji Park to rule the event.

“It’s really a great feeling playing alongside him (Reyes). All the things he has just rubbed off on me. He’s really an inspiration,” Amit said of his idol.

The reigning World 10-ball women’s champion, Amit credits the timely tips of Reyes as one of the keys to their success.

“We just tried not to get pressured. I guess getting the advice of Tata Efren (Reyes) and following them on those important shots proved beneficial,” said Amit.

“We won because we worked as a team and I am blessed with a gifted partner (Amit),” said 55-year-old Reyes, also known as “The Magician.”

The Filipinos’ campaign actually appeared headed for doom early on when they trailed 1-3, and had it not been for their resiliency and deadly accuracy at the homestretch the outcome could have been different.

The chance for the Filipinos to stage comeback presented itself when Williams muffed on the red three in the fifth rack, allowing the Filipinos to clean the table before sweeping the next two to draw level at 4-all.

There was no looking back from there.