Centeno back as pool queen

MANILA, Philippines — Chezka Centeno produced another bright hours for Philippine billiards in topping the women’s section of the Asian Pool Federation’s Asian 9-Ball Championship in Singapore yesterday.

Centeno, 23, was all business in demolishing South Korean Seo Seoa, 11-7, for her ninth international title and her first since capturing two gold medals in the 9-ball and 10-ball singles in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Manila.

On her way to the finals, Centeno beat countrywoman and Hanoi SEA Games double-gold winner Rubilen Amit, 9-6, in the quarters then waylaid Vietnam’s Bui Xuang Vang, 9-1, in the semis.

At press time, James Aranas was gunning for the gold in the men’s side versus Taipei’s Ko Pin Yi.

Ko prevented an all-Filipino finale after routing Johann Chua, 11-2, in the semis.