MANILA, Philippines — There is a reason the Philippines remains the epicenter of the billiards universe.
On Saturday, it was in full, spectacular display as Chezka Centeno and Lee Van Corteza swept the Las Vegas 10-Ball Open of the Predator Pro Billiards Series at the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino.
Centeno smashed former world nine-ball champion Chen Siming of China, 4-2, 4-2, to rule the women’s division while Corteza turned back ex-world nine-ball king and countryman Carlo Biado, 4-2, 4-3, to top the men’s side and seal the Filipinos’ domination.
For her feat, reigning world 10-ball queen Centeno pocketed a cool $18,000 purse (P1 million).
Corteza, a World Cup of Pool winner and a six-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, took home $30,000 (P1.7 million) while Biado received $14,000 (P783,000).