Centeno enters World Games semis

CHENGDU, China — Chezka Centeno, the 2023 World 10-Ball champion, dumped Spaniard Mayte Ropero, 7-2, Tuesday to earn a semifinal round slot in the World Games.

Her win happened as the Philippines makes one last push to win medals following the silver of Kaila Napolis in jiujitsu.

The 26-year-old Centeno will face Shasha Liu of China, the three-time 9-ball titlist, in the crucial round at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

“I am confident because I have beaten Shasha several times before. I will do my best to advance to the finals and take home the gold medal.”

For her part, Liu defeated Soledad Ayala, 7-4, in the quarterfinals.

Centeno and the rest of the Filipino athletes and team officials are supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee, headed by president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Over at the Xindu Xiangcheng Sports Centre, the men’s floorball team demolished China, 14-0, in their classification match for seventh place to close out its campaign on a high note despite its lopsided losses to European teams in previous days.

Kim Rosello registered five goals, while Melvin Mendoza and Simon Larano had three each to punish their continental rivals and move forward to their goal of reclaiming the gold in the Southeast Asian Games set in Thailand, the reigning champion, late this year.

“We executed well,” said Philippine Floorball president Marco Ortiz.

“This is the highest level of competition in the world, and being here is already a win for everyone.”

The victory could ease up the pressure on the shoulders of the remaining players here, with jiujitsu 52-kilogram silver medalist Napolis and Annie Ramirez bidding adieu in the women’s open ne-waza contest early in the day.

All is not lost for the Philippine contingent seeking more Chengdu glory, with hopes also pinned on sambo, powerlifting, and duathlon.

Among the strongest bets is Aislinn Yap, the world No. 1 sambo athlete, who is plunging into action on Thursday.

“I am still optimistic that we can still bag a gold,” chef de mission Stephen Arapoc said.

“It is usually dark before dawn.”