Chezka Centeno set aside the friendship and outlasted her mentor Rubilen Amit, 4-3, 4-2, to barge into the Last 16 of 2025 Las Vegas Women’s Open at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino in Nevada early Friday, Feb. 28 (Manila time).

Centeno, the 2024 edition champion, stayed composed in the first set where she pulled off precise hits that left Amit behind and got closer to completing her back-to-back bid in the 64-player tournament.

It was an absolute classic once again for Centeno and Amit who fought and teamed up with each other throughout the years, giving the Philippines much recognition in international competitions.

The world 10-Ball champion now awaits her rival in the last 16 while Amit vented her ire on Singaporean Silviana Lu, 4-1, 4-0, to keep her contention alive.

The Filipino bets, however, could meet up again in round of 16.

Centeno stays unscathed in the distaff side after dominating American bets Nicolle Cuellar (4-0, 4-0), April Larson (4-1, 4-0) earlier.

Meanwhile in the mixed doubles category, Centeno and Mark Estiola advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating German partners Joshua and Pia Filler, 4-1, 4-2.

Before entering the quarters, Centeno and Estiola collected the scalps of Norwegians Emil Andre Gangflot and Nina Torvund (4-2, 4-1), and Peru’s Gerson Martinez and Argentina’s Soledad Ayala (4-2, 4-3).

On the other hand, Amit and Django Bustamante bowed to Fil-Canadian Alex Pagulayan and German Yvonne Hybler, 2-1, in losers' round 3.