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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider A champion's tribute: Centeno wins world 8-ball for late mother

A champion's tribute: Centeno wins world 8-ball for late mother

Published Jul 27, 2026 12:38 pm  |  Updated Jul 27, 2026 01:40 pm

At A Glance

  • The 27-year-old Zamboanga City standout turned back former world No. 1 and multiple world champion Kelly Fisher of Great Britain, 9-6, to secure her first world 8-ball crown in Green Bay, Wisconsin on Sunday, July 26.
Chezka Centeno proudly shows her medal after winning the world 8-ball title. (Chezka Centeno Facebook)
Chezka Centeno proudly shows her medal after winning the world 8-ball title. (Chezka Centeno Facebook)
A few months ago, Chezka Centeno’s world came crashing down after the passing of her mother, Josephine.
This time, she stood on top of the world, capturing the 2026 Oneida WPA Women’s World 8-Ball Championship title in a triumphant comeback that turned heartbreak into glory.
The 27-year-old Zamboanga City standout turned back former world No. 1 and multiple world champion Kelly Fisher of Great Britain, 9-6, to secure her first world 8-ball crown in Green Bay, Wisconsin on Sunday, July 26.
The victory was another glittering addition to Centeno’s growing trophy collection, adding the world 8-ball crown to the world 10-ball titles she won in 2023 and 2025.
It also erased the sting of last year’s narrow runner-up finish as she avenged that defeat by ousting defending champion Jasmin Ouschan in the Last 16, 8-4.
But beyond redemption and another world title, the triumph carried a far deeper meaning as Centeno found some measure of healing on the championship stage.
Moments after sealing one of the biggest victories of her career, Centeno dedicated the title to her late mother in an emotional speech and even later on paid tribute in a social media post.
“Ma, I did it! Para sa’yo ’to!” Centeno wrote in one post, alongside a photo of herself proudly displaying her gold medal.
In another post, she shared an old photo from one of her visits to her mother’s grave.
“Ma. World 8-Ball champion tayo, Ma. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Ma. I love you,” she wrote.
A few hours after her title win, Centeno edged Chinese Taipei’s Wi Tzu-Chien, 8-6. Her previous triumphs also came at the expense of teammate and good friend Rubilen Amit in the quarterfinals, 8-6.

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Chezka Centeno Kelly Fisher WPA Women\'s World 8-Ball Championship
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