SEA Games: Centeno, Amit on course for 9-ball gold medal battle

Rubilen Amit of the Philippines during 9-Ball competition in 2015 SEA Games. INQUIRER PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA

KUALA LUMPUR — Filipino pool divas have made their way to an expected gold medal battle.

The last Southeast Asian Games’ finalists Chezka Centeno and Rubilen Amit barged into the semifinals of the women’s 9-ball singles Friday at KLCC.

Centeno, the reigning champion, took a bye before crushing Angeli Ticoalu of Indonesia, 7-4, to march to the next round.

Then two-time world 10-ball champion Amit defeated Indonesia’s Silviana Lu, 7-3, in the other quarterfinal match.

FILE – Chezka Centeno of the Philippines during the 28th SEA Games Women’s 9-Ball Pool. INQUIRER PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA

“As much as possible we want a repeat performance,” said the 18-year-old Centeno who didn’t hide the fact that she looks up to Amit in and out of the pool house.

In the men’s 9-ball pool Carlo Biado prevailed over Amnuayporn Chotipong of Thailand, 9-3, to advance to the semis.

So far, the billiards team, with former world champions in the fold including Efren “Bata” Reyes, only has one medal to show.

Former World No. 1 Dennis Orcollo and Warren Kiamco placed third in 9-ball doubles.

The Philippines won three golds last SEA Games.