Chezka Centeno (PRO BILLIARDS SERIES PHOTO)
When Chezka Centeno seized the WPA World 10-Ball Women’s Championship trophy in faraway Klagenfurt, Austria, on Sunday evening, she wasn’t alone.
The 24-year-old ace had former world champion Rubilen Amit guiding her every step of the way.
“I am really thankful to her for being with me. She’s my companion who never grew tired of helping in my games,’’ said Centeno after reclaiming the title for the country for the first time since Amit won it exactly a decade ago.
The pride of Zamboanga City, who began picking up a cue stick at the age of 5, pocketed $50,000 (roughly P2.8 million), by far the biggest paycheck of her career.
“She already knew the ins and outs of the sport and I just stood by her side, watched her play, and I’m so happy to witness her greatness,’’ said Amit of Centeno’s first-ever world championship diadem.
Centeno and Amit have become dependable partners in every doubles event that they played and constant competitors as well since the 2015 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Singapore, where Centeno ruled the women’s 9-ball singles event.
Centeno retained the same plum at the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur before topping the 10-ball event in the 2019 version of the Games in Manila.
“I will give it (cash prize) to my parents and add to my savings. I have to be wiser in spending my hard-earned money and I’m thankful that Rubilen has been supporting me,’’ said Centeno, a four-time SEA Games champion.
Both lady cue masters will return to Manila on Tuesday before embarking on their next journey in the Medalla Light Puerto Rico 10-Ball Open 2023 from Nov. 7 to Nov. 12.
Centeno and Amit will resume playing in the international arena come February next year during the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Bangkok, Thailand.
By retrieving one of the most gloried accolades in women’s billiards, Centeno’s triumph could trigger a resurgence in her sport.
And it’s something both Amit and Centeno have been working on even before the latter’s breakthrough in the world stage.
“As I’ve said, we are hoping to find more lady billiard players who could someday represent our country in international competitions,’’ said Amit. “I’m not getting any younger. There should be more women players from our country aside from us.’’
Since last year, the 42-year-old Amit, who won the 10-ball world title twice in 2013 and 2009, has been organizing billiards competitions for women to find those hidden gems in the rough.
“I totally agree with her and I think the responsibility to grow our sport rests on our shoulders,’’ added Centeno.