By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Something “miraculous” happened for Chezka Centeno on her way to reclaiming the 2025 WPA Women’s 10-Ball Championship crown in Bali, Indonesia over the weekend.
Heartbroken and weary after a series of near misses in tournaments over the past months, Centeno admitted there was a feeling of uncertainty heading into the competition.
“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… but deep inside, the fire started to fade,” Centeno confessed in a lengthy social media post moments after her victory.
“I began doubting myself and feeling anxious. I lost confidence, my mind would go blank during matches, and I would lose early. It was one of the toughest stretches of my career, a quiet battle within myself,” she added.
Her self-doubt continued to build after yielding in her second match to Chinese Taipei’s Chen Chia Hua, 4-3, 2-4, 4-1, that relegated her to the losers’ bracket in the double-elimination preliminaries. The loss hurt her so deeply that she almost thought about giving up.
Then one morning, something great happened. She woke up feeling renewed, and from there, she produced a string of stellar performances over United States’ Savannah Easton, 4-0, 4-3; Taiwanese standout Wei Tzu-Chien, 4-0, 3-4, 4-3; and Vietnam’s Vang Bui Xuan, 4-0, 4-2, to secure a spot in the knockout stage.
Centeno was unstoppable that she eliminated defending champion Kristina Tkach in the Last 16, 4-3, 2-4, 4-1, 4-1, rallied past Chinese Taipei’s Wang Wan-Ling, 1-4, 3-4, 4-1, 4-0, 4-1, and held her nerve against China’s Liu Shasha, 4-3, 4-3, 4-3, to set up an all-Filipino final against Amit.
Battling a familiar rival who happened to be a close friend –sometimes serving as her mentor – twas never easy. It took Centeno five sets to prove her worth and seize what was once hers.
“The victory is one of the miracles of my life,” she said.
“I wasn’t at my best, but He (God) prepared me for this moment. I’m still in awe of how it all unfolded, and I know without a doubt it was all Him. God is good and faithful!” she added.
More than just securing an individual accolade, Centeno said she was honored to bring another title home to the Philippines. She hopes her victory would not only help elevate the women’s sport in the country, but also inspire others to dare and dream big.
She also commended Amit for her performance and dedication.
“Congratulations also to Ate Rubilen ‘Bingkay’ Amit. She played exceptionally. Big respect for her passion and great showing,” she said.
Overall, it was a campaign to remember for Centeno, as the triumph rekindled the self-belief she had nearly lost.
