Frayna closes in on PNWCC title, clinches Olympiad slot

JANELLE MAE FRAYNA just secured her seventh World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan this September.

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

And the country’s first and only Woman Grandmaster came a step closer from achieving it after surviving past Shania Mae Mendoza in the 14^th and penultimate round on 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 she also previously won in 2013 and 2016.

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

Like Ms. Frayna, Ms. 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.

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

Ms. Fronda drew with Maria Lavandero in 52 moves of a Center-Counter while Ms. Galas had the same result with Allaney Jia Doroy also in 52 moves of an English Opening. — Joey Villar