CHEZKA Centeno’s bid to become the country’s first world women’s champion came to a complete stop as she fell to pool titan Allison Fisher, 9-7, in Saturday’s quarterfinals in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The 23-year-old reigning Asian titlist gave it her best but it was the mighty, battle-scarred 54-year-old Brit, who owns the most world 9-ball crown with four, who prevailed in the end.
The Southeast Asian Games gold medalist came in their quarterfinal showdown oozing with confidence following a morale-boosting 9-3 triumph over Belarus’ Margaret Fefilova in the round-of-16 a couple of hours before.
But she ran into the rock-solid and indomitable Ms. Fisher, who came through with all the answers when needed.
On her way to the knockout playoff round, Ms. Centeno hurdled Ms. Fefilova (7-6), American Dawn Hopkins (7-4) and countrywoman Ruben Amit (7-5).
Ms. Amit, a two-time world 10-ball titular whose best finish in this annual event was second less than a decade ago, did not make it past the eliminations after succumbing to Korean Seoa Sep, 7-3.
It was stinging both for both Philippine bets as they came here eyeing to claim that historic world crown. Maybe next year. — Joey Villar