Frayna on cusp of Philippines chess title

MANILA, Philippines — Janelle Mae Frayna has secured her seventh World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan this September.

And she now sets her sights on the one trophy she lost in the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship two years ago.

The country’s first and only Woman Grandmaster came a step closer from achieving it after surviving Shania Mae Mendoza in the 14th and penultimate round Tuesday night in Malolos, Bulacan.

With a round to go, the 29-year-old enlisted Army personnel from Bicol would need just a draw against Bernadette Galas to reclaim the crown she last won five years ago.

It will also be her fourth national title after earlier wins in 2013 and 2016.

Ruelle Canino, the one who came from nowhere and unseated Frayna last time, was a full point behind after she drew with Vic Derotas in 41 moves of a King’s Indian clash.

Like Frayna, Canino had an inferior position but, unlike the former, did not have the luck to steal a win and instead settled for a standoff in this event bankrolled by host Mayor Christian Natividad and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Canino, along with Jan Jodilyn Fronda and Galas, who each had 9.5 points, will battle for the two remaining spots to Samarkand.