Frayna-led Philippine beats Costa Rica

MANILA, Philippines — Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna made quick work of Woman International Master Maria Elena Rodriguez Arrieta in 28 moves of their English duel on top board to power the Philippines to a 3-1 dismantling of Costa Rica in the 10th and penultimate round Saturday night in the 46th Women’s Chess Olympiad Silk Road International Exhibition Centre in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Also prevailing were WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda-Grafil and Woman FIDE Master Shania Mae Mendoza, who downed Valentina Campos Munoz and Victoria Canales Chinchilla on the last two boards while WIM Ruelle Canino was the only one to tumble and succumb to WIM Sofia Mayorga Saraya.

The triumph catapulted the Filipinas, whose trip is being paid for by the Philippine Sports Commission, to a share of 21st place along with 10 others with 13 match points.

If they beat 20th seed England in the last round, the Nationals would seal a top 20 finish, which would surpass their 24-place effort in Budapest, Hungary two years ago.