Filipina Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna wins historic gold in Abu Dhabi
Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna made history as the first Filipina to be crowned champion of the 31st Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival – Ladies Blitz.
Frayna dominated the competition, besting 120 participants from 24 countries with an undefeated score of eight points, securing seven wins and two draws.
"Despite the tough international competition, Frayna demonstrated her trademark grit and brilliance, securing the gold for the Philippines," the National Chess Federation of the Philippines said in a congratulatory Facebook post.
The Filipina sealed her victory with a final-round draw against Uzbek International Master Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova.
"This is my first time playing in the Abu Dhabi Chess Festival. Thank you to our Pinoy friends who made us feel at home," Freyna said in her post on Aug. 17.
"It's one tough tournament, but I will surely give my best."
Frayna, a 29-year-old enlisted army personnel from Bicol, was awarded the title of Woman Grandmaster by Fédération Internationale des Échecs or International Chess Federation in 2017, becoming the first from the Philippines to achieve this.
A proud alumna of FEU, Frayna was also named as co-recipient of the UAAP Season 77 Athlete of the Year award.
In the 2021 Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam, she won two bronze medals for the women's rapid chess event and the women's individual blitz.
