Frayna back in contention

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippines’ Janelle Mae Frayna resuscitated her World Cup bid by blasting Uzbekistan’s Madinabonu Khalilova in the seventh round of the Asian Individual Chess Championships in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates Tuesday.

The 28-year-old Grandmaster and many-time national women’s champion showed pin precision in mangling Khalilova’s Sicilian Defense and tore down brick by brick the latter’s kingside defense with a decisive mating attack.

When it was over, the enlisted Army personnel from Albay was set to checkmate her befuddled Uzbek foe or win material before the latter resigned in 39 moves.

Frayna was back in the Top 10, sharing sixth spot with six others with five points, a point off the pacesetters.