Player Profile Series: Chezka Centeno – The Rising Billiards Star

Chezka Centeno started playing billiards at the age of five, and her potential was discovered at eight when she competed in local tournaments in her family's hometown.

At age 11, she began participating in the Philippine National Games. A year later, she was invited to the Kremlin Cup in Russia, where she finished in the top 32.

In 2014, Centeno competed in the Asian Junior Championship and won first place in the girls' singles category.

The following year, she claimed the gold medal in the nine-ball women's singles at the 2015 Southeast Asian Games, defeating fellow Filipina Rubilen Amit in the final.

In 2016, Centeno joined the Chinese Eight-ball World Championship in China alongside Rubilen Amit and Iris Ranola. She went on to win the inaugural 2022 Asian Pool Federation Women’s Nine-ball Championship after defeating South Korea’s Seo Seoa, 11–7, in the final held at the Aspire Recreation Centre in Singapore.

Centeno's victory at the 2023 World 10-Ball Championship marked a significant milestone in her career, making her the second Filipina to win the title after Rubilen Amit.

In 2024, she captured the Predator Pro Billiards Series Las Vegas Ten-ball Women’s Open crown by defeating Chen Siming of China in two sets (4–2, 4–2) at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in the United States.

Renowned for her exceptional skills and international achievements, Centeno has inspired many aspiring cue artists in the Philippines and around the world. She is now recognized as one of the rising stars in the world of billiards.