KUALA LUMPUR — Chezka Centeno retained the women’s 9-ball singles title, again beating Rubilen Amit, 7-6, on Sunday at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in another Philippines gold-silver finish in the Southeast Asian Games.
Centeno got a big break when Amit scratched with two balls remaining in the 13th and final rack.
The player from Zamboanga completed her comeback from 5-2 down to win the race-to-7 gold medal match.
Centeno said she was shocked with how her fate turned in the final rack, especially after she missed the 3-ball at the corner pocket when she was at hill, 6-5.
"Hindi ko akalain," said Centeno, who looked more relieved than happy with the gold medal win.
"Nasa isip ko, talo na ako kasi nga na-miss ko 'yung three. Sabi ko, talo na ako, wala na akong chance."
"Grabe sobrang saya po," said Centeno. "Sa isip ko hindi ko na mahahabol."
Amit took advantage and reached hill-hill after Centeno’s miscue.
A tricky shot on the six saw the Amit converting the ball on the side pocket but with the cue ball going across the table and straight into the other side pocket with only the eight and the nine left.
The 18-year-old Centeno says she and Amit did not even talk about their final matchup, recalling that they were talking about the Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor fight.
"McGregor," said Centeno, when she was asked who she was rooting for.
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