Team Philippines is guaranteed at least a silver medal in the World Games after Chezka Centeno advanced to the women’s 9-ball final on Wednesday at the Civil Aviation Flight University of China – Tianfu Campus Gymnasium in Chengdu.
Centeno triumphed over China’s Shasha Lui in the semifinals with a score of 7-4. She is set to face another Chinese player, Yu Han, at 7 p.m. Han, a three-time world 9-ball champion, secured her spot in the final after defeating German Ina Kaplan 7-3 in the semifinals.
“I am happy to be here with a big opportunity to win the gold. In the finals, it is all about focus,” said the 26-year-old pride of Zamboanga City. “She’s a good player and the fans will surely go out and support her. But I know I’m ready,” added Centeno, who previously defeated Han in the final of the 2023 World 10-ball Championship.
As of now, the Philippines has won two medals in the tournament: a silver from Kaila Napolis in ju-jitsu and a bronze from Carlos Baylon in wushu sanda, with four days remaining in the competition. As of 3 p.m., China leads the medal tally with 19 golds, six silvers, and two bronzes.
In other events, Aislinn Yap is set to compete in the women’s combat sambo -80kg quarterfinals on Thursday at the Jianyang Cultural and Sports Centre Gymnasium. Yap, ranked No. 1 in the world in this sport, which combines striking and grappling and was developed in Russia, is expected to perform well.
“We have a big chance. Aislinn’s fight will show the world the spirit of Filipino samboists,” said Pilipinas Sambo Federation president Paolo Tancontian.
Additionally, Franklin Yee, Maynard Pecson, and John Patrick Ciron will participate in the men’s individual duathlon event at the Xinglong Lake Hubin Arena. Triathlon Association of the Philippines President Tom Carrasco Jr. expressed confidence in the endurance athletes’ performance.