This year has proven to be nothing short of fruitful for Filipina athletes so far, and professional pool player Chezka “The Flash” Centeno is no exception. Now an 8-ball world title holder, she continues to excel in the long-running sport with her loved ones’ unparalleled support in tow.
Photo: Larry G. Salgado, Chezka Centeno
Chezka brought utmost pride to the Philippines this week as she clinched the World Pool-Billiards Association (WPA) Women’s World 8-Ball Championship in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Chezka bested British billiards star Kelly Fisher in a 9-6 final match—a new high in the Filipina’s career, and another remarkable feat in her arsenal of international accomplishments.
Beyond the honor and global recognition, Chezka’s latest win is a heartfelt ode to her late mother, Josephine, who passed away just months before her tournament in the U.S. After winning the world championship, Chezka wrote on Facebook, “MA, I DID IT! PARA SA’YO ‘TO.”
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Before playing against Kelly, Chezka faced Taipei’s Wei Tzu Chen in an 8-5 semifinal round. This marks the 27-year-old Filipina athlete’s first world tournament win in women’s 8-ball.
Besides a well-deserved celebration for her new title, we’re also celebrating a full-circle moment in Chezka’s billiards and pool journey so far. In a separate Facebook post, she shared that it has officially been 14 years since her first global pool tournament. One of her lifelong mentors, Coach Charlie Williams, said he has always “believed in her raw talent,” certain that “the Philippines would nurture her well.”
Like Chezka, many of our favorite Filipina athletes have made countless sacrifices in their quest to step up and earn their stripes on global platforms. May their stories and achievements continue to inspire us in everything we do as we bring our dreams to fruition, little by little.
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Congratulations, Chezka! We’re so proud of you! What do you think of her winning moment? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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