Team Philippines found fresh motivation in the 2025 World Games, as 10-ball standout Chezka Centeno marched into the semifinals and the men’s floorball team delivered a statement win against host nation China on Tuesday, August 12.

Centeno, the 2023 world 10-ball champion, overpowered Spain’s Mayte Ropero, 7-2, to set up a clash with China’s Shasha Liu, a three-time 9-ball titlist, at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Confident heading into the match, Centeno noted, “I have beaten Shasha several times before. I will do my best to advance to the finals and take home the gold medal.”

Liu secured her semifinal berth with a 7-4 victory over Soledad Ayala. Both players aim for a spot in the gold medal match, with Centeno receiving strong backing from the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission.

PH floorball ends with dominant win

At the Xindu Xiangcheng Sports Centre, the Philippine men’s floorball team wrapped up its campaign with a commanding 14-0 win over China in the classification match for seventh place. Kim Rosello starred with five goals, while Melvin Mendoza and Simon Larano added three each.

The triumph came after tough losses to European squads earlier in the tournament, but it reignited the team’s confidence ahead of the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, where they aim to reclaim the gold medal. “We executed well. This is the highest level of competition in the world, and being here is already a win for everyone,” said Philippine Floorball President Marco Ortiz.

The win also eased pressure on the rest of the Philippine delegation, with ju-jitsu silver medalist Kaila Napolis and Annie Ramirez bowing out in the women’s open ne-waza event earlier in the day.

More gold medal hopes remain

Despite some early exits, the Philippines still has contenders eyeing gold in sambo, powerlifting, and duathlon. Leading the charge is Aislinn Yap, the world’s No. 1 sambo athlete, who will compete on Thursday.

“I am still optimistic that we can still bag a gold,” said Chef de Mission Stephen Arapoc. “It is usually dark before dawn.”