Centeno assured of World Games medal

CHENGDU, China — Chezka Centeno assured Team Philippines of at least a silver medal after advancing to the finals of the 2025 World Games women's 10-ball event on Wednesday at the Civil Aviation Flight University of China —Tianfu Campus Gymnasium here.

The 26-year-old Centeno gets a crack at winning the country's first gold medal after beating China's Shasha Lui in the semis, 7-4, earlier in the day.

She will face another hometown bet in Yu Han at 7 p.m. later in the evening, with the Filipina ace expecting a tough matchup against the three-time world 9-ball champion and the hostile crowd rallying against her.

"I am happy to be here with a big opportunity to win the gold," Centeno said.

"In the finals, it is all about focus."

Interestingly, Centeno defeated Han to win the World 10-ball Championship in 2023.

"She's a good player and the fans will surely go out and support her. But I know I'm ready," added the Zamboanga City pride who is supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee, headed by president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Han, meanwhile, took down Ina Kaplan, 7-3, in their semis battle.

With action in the Chengdu Games heating up and host China flexing its might with a total haul of 19 golds, six silvers and two bronzes as of 3 p.m., a gold from Centeno could make it a sweeter for the Philippines after Kaila Napolis' silver in jujitsu and Carlos Baylon's bronze in wushu sanda.

While hopes are high for the cue artist to take home the elusive gold, Aislinn Yap could also be a source of pride when she competes in the sambo women's combat -80-kilogram quarterfinals Thursday at the Jianyang Cultural and Sports Centre Gymnasium.

The 27-year-old Yap, rated No. 1 in the world, is ready to take the spotlight in the sport that combines striking and grappling and was developed in Russia.