by Kristel Satumbaga
Woman Grandmaster Janelle Frayna told aspiring chess players not to be afraid of losing during her inspirational speech in the first Tempo Inter-Schools Rapid Chess Championships yesterday at the Manila Prince Hotel.
The 22-year-old Frayna, the country’s first WGM, urged the more than 300 participants to enjoy the process as it is the most crucial part of becoming the best of their chosen field.
“I hope that you won’t have regrets, manalo man or matalo, as long as you did your best,” said Frayna.
Citing India’s 64 grandmasters, Frayna said she hopes that Filipino players will be inspired to become GMs. There are currently 17 Filipino GMs.
“We need hard work para maabutan yon and I hope we make it as an inspiration kasi we can do that, too, as long as we become consistent and persevering,” said Frayna.
Also in attendance were National Chess Federation of the Philippines President Prospero Pichay Jr., Manila Prince operations manager Tyne Dignadice and Tempo editor Rey Bancod.
“I hope that this is just a start, because we need tournaments like this to improve chess in country,” said Pichay.
A total cash prize of P100,000 is at stake in the FIDE-rated tournament divided into six categories: Open College, Women’s College, Open High School, Women’s High School, Open Elementary and Girl’s Elementary.
Tournament director GM Jayson Gonzales said the starting field of 356 players makes the event the biggest gathering of student players so far.
“The tournament has clearly passed the international standard,” said Gonzales.
