Manila: Janelle Mae Frayna defeated Shania Mae Mendoza on Wednesday, moving closer to winning the Philippine National Women's Chess Championship in Malolos, Bulacan. After Mendoza uncorked a sacrificial kingside attack, the country's first and only Woman Grandmaster managed to secure the win after 29 moves of the Slav Defense.

According to Philippines News Agency, for garnering 11 points, Frayna assured her spot in the national team going to the World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan in September. The Army woman from Bicol was playing against Bernadette Galas in the 15th and final round as of press time. If the game ends in a draw, Frayna will reclaim the title she won in 2013, 2016, and 2021.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Ruelle Canino, who won the event two years ago, settled for a draw with Vic Derotas after 41 moves of a King's Indian duel. Jan Jodilyn Fronda and Bernadette Galas, with similar 9.5 points, are also seeking Olympiad berths. Fronda split the point with Maria Lavandero in 52 moves of a Center-Counter encounter, while Galas drew with Allaney Jia Doroy after 52 moves of an English showdown in the competition supported by Mayor Christian Natividad and the Philippine Sports Commission.