Chezka Centeno is hoping to face teammate Rubilen Amit in the final of major international competitions.
The 26-year-old Centeno, a four-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, said going up against Amit in the final is a big boost to the country as it assures them of the gold and silver medals.
“I am hoping we face each other again in the finals. It would be great since regardless of who wins, we will take the trophy home,” said Centeno, who defeated Amit in the WPA World Ten-ball Championship final in Jakarta last October.
“I am looking forward to playing in World 9 Ball and World 9 Ball tournaments again in the future.”
Centeno has had a fruitful campaign in 2025.
First, she won the M Arena Ladies Ten-ball Open last July in Jakarta after beating Denden Santos, 10-6, in an all-Filipino final. In the same month, Centeno joined forces with Jeffrey de Luna to win the Indonesia International Mixed Doubles Ten-ball Open as they defeated teammate Denis Grabe and Pia Filler of Germany, 2-0, in the final.
Centeno also made it as far as the final of the World Games in China before settling for a silver medal following a 6-7 loss to home bet Han Yu.
Despite missing out on the World Games gold, Centeno remains grateful for her stint in 2025 as she looks forward to more tournaments in 2026.
“Thanks to everyone who stood by me since day one, those who prayed for me, and the people who genuinely rooted for and cheered me on. I wouldn’t have done this without all of you,” Centeno said.