Filipina billiards star Chezka Centeno reclaimed the WPA Women’s World 10-Ball Championship crown after a hard-fought finals showdown against compatriot Rubilen Amit on Sunday in Bali, Indonesia. The Zamboanga City native regained the title she lost last year, cementing her status as one of the world’s best in the sport.
Centeno outlasted Amit, 4-1, 2-4, 4-2, 3-4, 4-2, in a thrilling five-set duel that showcased the best of Philippine cue sports. Amit, a two-time 10-Ball world champion, entered the match unbeaten, while Centeno battled her way back from the loser’s bracket after an early setback in the qualifiers.
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Road to the Final
Amit cruised through the preliminary rounds, sweeping all her matches and defeating former Euro Tour No. 1 Margaret Fefilova in the semifinals. Centeno, meanwhile, had to fight her way up after losing to Chen Chia-Hua of Chinese Taipei early in the tournament. She eventually took down China’s Sha Sha Liu, a three-time 9-Ball champion, to book her place in the championship match.
The final lived up to its billing as a battle of two world champions. Centeno drew first blood, Amit rallied to equalize, and both traded racks until the final set. Leading 3-2 in the decider, Amit’s costly scratch on the break opened the door for Centeno to finish strong and clinch the match.
With the win, Centeno pocketed $50,000 in prize money and celebrated her second 10-Ball world title, following her 2023 triumph. Amit, the 2009 and 2013 champion, took home $25,000 as runner-up.
A Victory Beyond the Table
Centeno’s latest feat comes after months of personal and professional struggles. In a heartfelt post, she revealed battling self-doubt and burnout after falling short in two finals earlier this year.
“For the past four months, I’ve been competing non-stop, reaching three finals and falling short in two. I kept telling myself it was okay, that life goes on, but deep inside, the fire started to fade,” Centeno shared. “I began doubting myself and feeling anxious. I was in a dark place mentally and emotionally, and it showed in my games.”
She said a renewed sense of faith helped her push through.
“When I flew to Bali, I was filled with uncertainty. After losing my second match, I even thought about giving up. But God showed Himself to me and reminded me to keep going and trust Him,” she expressed. “This victory is one of the miracles of my life. I wasn’t at my best, but He prepared me for this moment.”
Centeno also expressed gratitude to Amit, her fellow Filipina cue legend, and to everyone who supported her.
“I’m so grateful to everyone who sent their congratulations. I wouldn’t be here without your support and prayers,” she said. “It is a great honor to bring another title back home to the Philippines. I wish for the women’s pool to grow bigger and for women athletes to be more recognized.”
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