Janelle Mae Frayna, the Philippines' first Woman Grandmaster, has won the national women's chess championship in Malolos, Bulacan. Her victory secures her seventh appearance at the World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, this September. Ruelle Canino finished second, also qualifying for the event.
The 15-round Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship, sanctioned by FIDE and organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, concluded at Malolos City Hall. Janelle Mae Frayna, a 29-year-old enlisted Army personnel from Bicol, topped the tournament with her performance, marking her fourth national title after previous wins in 2013, 2016, and 2021. She reclaimed the crown she lost two years ago to Ruelle Canino.
In the penultimate 14th round on Tuesday night, Frayna survived a challenging match against Shania Mae Mendoza, overcoming her in 29 moves of a Slav opening to reach 11 points and secure the first Olympiad berth. Heading into the final round, she needed only a draw against Bernadette Galas to clinch the title. The event was supported by host Mayor Christian Natividad and the Philippine Sports Commission.
Ruelle Canino from Cagayan de Oro finished second with 10.5 points from seven wins, seven draws, and one loss, earning her spot in the 46th World Chess Olympiad. In round 14, Canino drew with Vic Derotas after 41 moves in a King’s Indian Defense, staying a full point behind Frayna at 10 points. Jan Jodilyn Fronda and Galas, each on 9.5 points after their round 14 draws—Fronda against Maria Lavandero in 52 moves of a Center-Counter, and Galas against Allaney Jia Doroy in 52 moves of an English Opening—competed for the remaining qualification spots but were outpaced in the finale.
Frayna's success highlights her resilience, as she escaped an inferior position in key matches to lead the field.
