CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Zamboanga city’s billiard sensation Chezka “The Flash” Centeno added another jewel to her storied career after capturing the 2026 Oneida WPA Women’s World 8-Ball Championship title with a 9–6 victory over Great Britain’s Kelly “KwikFire” Fisher on July 26, 2026.
The emotional triumph came less than three months after the passing of her mother, Josephine.
Immediately after sinking the winning ball, an emotional Centeno broke into tears, dedicating her biggest victory of the year to her late mother who passed on May this year.
"I dedicate this to my mom," Centeno said after the match, later posting on social media: "Ma, I did it! This is for you."
Elite Field Assembled
The five-day international tournament brought together top cueists from 23 nations, showcasing high-level 8-ball action at the Oneida Casino.
Centeno earned her spot in the final after a composed 8–5 victory over Chinese Taipei’s Wei Wei “The Wave” in the semi-finals.
Fisher, meanwhile, punched her ticket to the championship round following a dramatic comeback from a 5–2 deficit against American teenage sensation Savannah "The RoadRunner" Easton, pulling off three straight rack wins to secure an 8–6 decision.
Third World Title
In the championship match, both players traded high-caliber safety play and run-outs before the Zamboanguena cueist pulled away in the closing racks to seal the 9–6 victory over the British legend.
The triumph marks Centeno’s third WPA world title, adding the World 8-Ball crown to her World 10-Ball titles won in 2023 and 2025.
Final Tournament Standings
Centeno finished at the top of the podium as world champion to claim the gold medal for the Philippines, while Great Britain's Kelly Fisher earned the silver medal as runner-up. Chinese Taipei’s Wei Wei and Savannah Easton of the United States shared the bronze after finishing as semi-finalists.
The World Pool-Billiard Association commended all participants, recognizing the 2026 edition for its high level of play and Centeno’s emotional journey to the top of the podium. (Dave Achondo, Editorial Assistant)
