Current Philippine Women’s Chess CHAMPION Janelle Mae Frayna. (Photo from Facebook)
It’s official—Bicolana Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Janelle Mae Frayna will compete in the upcoming 46th World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan this September following her victory in Round 14 of the FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs)-sanctioned Philippine National Women’s Championship in Malolos, Bulacan.
Frayna did a surprising Houdini act to survive the relentless attack of Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Shania Mae Mendoza, sealing an Olympiad seat and pushing her closer to grab topping the tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).
The Bicolana was on the verge of defeat but managed to overcome Mendoza after 29 moves of their Slav duel.
It allowed Frayna to improve to 11 points and capture the first of the three berths to this year’s Olympiad. She only needed a draw in the final round against Bernadette Galas being held at press time, to clinch the title—her fourth after reigning supreme in 2013, 2016 and 2021.
Following with a full point behind was Cagayan de Oro’s Ruelle Canino, who survived the upset axe of Vic Derotas and escaped with a 41-move standoff of a King’s Indian Defense.
Also chasing a slot to Samarkand were Jan Jodilyn Fronda and Galas, who drew their respective matches to hike their total to 9.5 points, or just half a point behind Canino.
Fronda split the point with Maria Lavandero in 52 moves of a Center-Counter game while Galas drew with Allaney Jia Doroy also in 52 moves of an English Opening to keep their Olympiad hopes alive in this meet backed by host city Mayor Christian Natividad and the Philippine Sports Commission.