CHEZKA Centeno of the Philippines, a 24-year-old native of Zamboanga City, fulfilled her childhood dream by clinching the prestigious Predator WPA World 10-Ball women's championship on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at the Klagenfurt Sports Park in Austria.
In a thrilling final, Centeno racked up a 9-5 victory over China's Han Yu, earning her a $50,000 (roughly P2.8 million), marking a significant milestone in her career.
Overwhelmed with joy, Centeno took to social media on Monday, October 23, to express her disbelief and gratitude, saying: "I can hardly believe it - I am your new Women's World 10-Ball Champion! This journey started when I was a 5-year-old with a dream, and today, I'm living it."
Centeno advanced to the finals, undefeated in three matches. She began by shutting out Germany's Melanie Susssenguth in the first round, followed by a commanding 9-2 victory against Chieh-Yu Chou of Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals.
Her semifinal clash against the United Kingdom's Allison Fisher was a hard-fought battle, which she won 9-8.
Reflecting on her journey, she said, "It's a surreal moment that brings back memories of countless hours of hard work, tears, and disappointments. They are all worth it."
She attributed her success to the grace of God, acknowledging that everything unfolds in its own time.
Centeno thanked everyone who made her journey to a world championship possible.
"To all of my family, my unwavering supporters from day one, Mommy and Daddy Fausto Centeno, this one's for you. To my friends, teammates, and supporters, your unending support has been my backbone. And to my amazing partner, you've been my rock through thick and thin," she added.
She also thanked the World Pool-Billiard Association and her sponsor, Predator, for organizing the tournament. She also thanked the Philippine Sports Commission for its "invaluable support".
Centeno also said, "This victory is a shared triumph. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I'll always be proud to represent my hometown, Zamboanga City, and, of course, my beloved country, the Philippines."
With her victory, Centeno joins the ranks of Filipino legends, becoming the second Filipino to claim the WPA World 10-Ball women's title, following in the footsteps of Rubilen Amit, who secured the championship in 2009 and 2013.
Amit, who hails from Cebu City, bowed out of contention in a quarterfinal match against Yu (3-9) on Friday, October 20. The two-time world pool champion earlier demolished Kristina Zlateva of Bulgaria, 9-6.
Sharing Centeno's Facebook post, Amit commented: "Well-deserved pogi." MLSA