PH Woman GM Frayna also gains men’s IM title

Janelle Mae Frayna. Photo from her Facebook account

A DAY after securing her Woman Grandmaster title, Janelle Mae Frayna made history anew when she secured the men’s International Master equivalent after leading the Filipino women past the Italians in the 10th and penultimate round of the 42nd Chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Frayna downed IM Olga Zimina on board one, Woman Fide Master Shania Mae Mendoza triumphed over WFM Desiree Di Benedetto on board four, while Christy Lamiel Bernales drew with WFM Daniela Movileanu on board three to give the Philippines a 2.5-1.5 victory Monday night.

WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda lost to Marina Brunello on board two.

READ: Frayna is first PH Woman Chess Grandmaster

The 20-year-old Frayna took the IM title after scoring seven points on five wins and four draws. She needs to raise her current Elo rating of 2281 to 2400 to formally assume the title.

Going to their final-round battle with the Lithuanians Tuesday, the Filipino women have amassed 13.0 match points, good for a share of 16th.

In the Open division, GM Eugene Torre tamed Fide Master Lain Gourlay on board three as the Filipinos dumped the Scots, 4-0, and raised their total to 12 points, good for a share of 37th to 53rd places.

GMs Julio Catalino Sadorra, John Paul Gomez and Rogelio Barcenilla Jr. downed IM Andrew Meet, GM John Shaw and FM Neil Berry on boards one, two and four, respectively, to cap the Filipinos’ shutout win. Roy Luarca