Centeno enters World Games final

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.