Chezka Centeno’s gold medal bid ended in heartbreak as she settled for silver after a close 6-7 loss to China’s Yu Han in the women’s 10-ball final at the Civil Aviation Flight University of China – Tianfu Campus Gymnasium in Chengdu on Wednesday, August 13.

Centeno fought back from an early 0-3 deficit and came within one rack of victory, but a costly scratch on a safety play for the first ball in the deciding frame gave Han the opening she needed to secure the win.

Centeno stays positive despite missed gold

Despite the stinging defeat, the Zamboanga City native remained upbeat, expressing gratitude for her second World Games appearance.

“I did not expect that mistake. But I’m still happy,” Centeno said. “This medal is for our country. I hope I still made you all proud.”

Philippines adds to medal haul

Centeno’s silver marked Team Philippines’ second runner-up finish, following Kaila Napolis’ silver in women’s 52kg ju-jitsu, and complemented Carlos Baylon Jr.’s bronze in the wushu sanda 56kg class.

On her way to the final, Centeno defeated Mayte Ropero of Spain in the quarterfinals and hometown favorite Shasha Lui in the semifinals. She had earlier dominated Savannah Easton of the United States in the preliminaries before losing to Han in her second group match.