In an exhilarating finish at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad on Sunday, September 22, the Philippine women’s chess team wrapped up their campaign with a commanding 4-0 triumph over Brazil at the BOK Sports Hall in Budapest, Hungary. This victory not only secured their spot among the top contenders but also marked a historic moment for Philippine chess as they claimed the gold medal in Group B.
A Stellar Performance to Remember
The final round showcased the talents of Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Shania Mae Mendoza, Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Janelle Mae Frayna, Woman International Master (WIM) Jan Jodilyn Fronda, and Woman National Master (WNM) Ruelle Canino. Each player delivered impressive victories, allowing the team to finish with a total of 14 points, placing them joint 22nd after tiebreaks and 24th overall.
But that’s not all—the team clinched the gold medal in Group B, marking the Philippines’ first medal in the Olympiad since 2006. Coach Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales couldn’t contain his excitement: “This is a milestone in Philippine chess history, a legacy that will not be forgotten for generations to come,” he said, acknowledging the crucial support from delegation head Atty. Ruel Canobas and team manager Atty. Nikki de Vega.
Rising Stars and Personal Triumphs
Every player on the team saw their ratings soar as a result of their performance. Ruelle Canino, the 16-year-old sensation from Cagayan de Oro, emerged as a standout, earning an astonishing 102 rating points after scoring six out of eight on board four. With a new rating of 2260, Canino is poised to become a force in the chess world.
WGM Janelle Mae Frayna led the charge with an impressive eight points from 11 games, gaining 27 rating points. WFM Shania Mae Mendoza also shone brightly with 5.5 points out of 10, while WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda contributed solidly with 6.5 points. Bernadette Galas added to the team’s success, scoring three out of five, demonstrating the depth of talent on this squad.
Despite the ups and downs, the women’s team has set a new benchmark for Philippine chess, improving significantly from their 36th-place finish two years ago in Chennai, India. With a bright future ahead and newfound momentum, the Philippines is ready to make its mark on the global chess stage once again.
