Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna downed Woman International Master Bernadette Galas in the 11th and final round Wednesday night to crown herself blitz champion of the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championships presented by Nova Wellness Center at the PACE.
Frayna, 25, finished undefeated for 9.5 points on eight victories and three draws.
The Army woman from Bicol was 2.5 points ahead over a field headed by WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda, who split the point with Bea Mendoza to end up at second with seven points.
Wunderkind April Joy Claros shocked reigning national standard champion WIM Marie Antoinette San Diego to seize a third-place effort.
Claros actually ended up tied with Bea Mendoza with 6.5 points apiece but the former won via the tiebreak.
Frayna’s recent feat soothed the pain of her failure to
defend the standard crown and wound up second instead.
“I’m just thankful for all the blessings I’m getting,” said Frayna.
