By MARK REY MONTEJO
Wunderkind Ruelle Canino is up for another daunting task ahead as she banners Far Eastern University chess team in the 2024 Bangkok Open slated April 13 to 21at the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa in Thailand.
Canino, 16, is hoping to follow up her impressive win in the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship in Malolos, Bulacan in the weeklong tournament where some of the top players around the globe are set to compete.
If she does well, the rising star from Cagayan de Oro will have a chance of earning a Woman International Master (WIM) title.
Other members of the squad are Mary Joy Tan, Mhage Gerrialou Sebastian, Bea Mendoza, Jasmine Rizalyn Tejada, Shaina Magne Romanillos, Vic Glysen Derotas, Lemuel Jay Adena, Franklin Lloyd Andes, Ritchie James Abeleda, Zeus Paglinawan, Samantha Umayan, Kate Nicole Ordizo, Bea Mendoza, Zeus Paglinawan, Arleah Cassandra Sapuan and April Joy Claros.
In winning the event dubbed as “Battle of Women Masters” last month, Canino beat WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda in the final round, a feat that caught the fancy of experts given the kind of situation she was in.
That also earned her a slot in the PH team that will see action in the the FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary in September.
