IT CAME a month later, but Janelle Mae Frayna finally fulfilled her dream of becoming the Philippines’ first Woman Grandmaster. Frayna drew with International Master Davaademberel Nomin-Erdene on board one Sunday night to clinch her third and last WGM result even as the Filipino women bowed to the Mongolians, 1.5-2.5, in the ninth round of the 42nd Chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The 20-year-old Frayna, a senior psychology candidate for cum laude honors at Far Eastern University, amassed the required 6.0 points on four wins, four draws and one loss according to GM Jayson Gonzales, the women’s team captain.
The Filipino women have 11 points that already matched their output in Tromso, Norway, with two rounds to go. The distaff side is being led by the Chinese with 16 points. The Filipinos clash with the Italians in Monday’s penultimate 10th round.
Read more in Inquirer
Related stories:
Janelle Frayna becomes country’s first WGM
Janelle Mae Frayna makes history as Philippines’ first woman chess grandmaster
Frayna becomes PH’s 1st Woman Grandmaster