Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna (NCFP photo)
The Philippine women’s team defeated Iceland, 2.5-1.5, in the 10th and penultimate round of the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad at BOK Sports Hall in Budapest, Hungary on Saturday.
Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna prevailed over FIDE Master Hallgerdur Thorsteindottir in 56 moves of the Alekhine Defense on Board 2, while rookie Ruelle Canino conquered Gudrun Fanney Briem after 31 moves of the King’s Indian Defense in 31 moves on Board 4.
International Master Jan Jodilyn Fronda settled for the draw with Idunn Helgadottir after 71 moves of the Sicilian on Board 3 to complete the victory as the Philippines gained a share of 36th place with 12 match points.
FIDE Master Shania Mae Mendoza lost to GM Lenka Ptacnikova in 66 moves of a Four Knights Game on Board 1.
The PH women’s team will face Brazil in the final round on Sunday.
In the men’s division, the Philippines bowed to Georgia, 1.5-2.5, to join a big group at No. 39 with 12 points.
GM Julio Catalino Sadorra split the point with GM Mikheil Mchedlishvili on Board 1, while GM-elect Daniel Quizon and IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia also settled for draws with Nikolozi Kacharava and Levan Pantsulala on Boards 2 and 4, respectively.
IM Paulo Bersamina lost to GM Luka Paichadze in 43 moves of a Sicilian on Board 3.
Sadorra, unbeaten with 6.5 points out of eight, may get an individual medal on Board 1 with a victory over Super GM Adam Kozak when the Philippines takes on host Hungary in the final round. (PNA)
