Frayna Secures Victory at Philippine National Women's Chess Championship
In a strategic showdown, Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna of the Philippine Army drew with Bernadette Galas after 15 moves of a Petroff Defense to clinch the Philippine National Women's Chess Championship title. The event, held in Malolos, Bulacan, concluded on Wednesday night, February 12, 2026, with Frayna finishing the 15-round tournament with 11.5 points, as announced by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).
Reclaiming a Legacy and Earning Olympiad Qualification
Frayna, the Philippines' first and only woman grandmaster, reclaimed the championship title she previously won in 2013, 2016, and 2021. Her victory not only adds to her illustrious career but also secures her a spot on the national team for the 46th World Chess Olympiad, scheduled from September 15 to 28 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This achievement highlights her enduring dominance in the sport and her role as a key player for the country in international competitions.
Top Performers and Tiebreak Drama
In the final round, other notable players made their mark. Woman International Master Ruelle Canino, the 2023 champion, placed second with 10.5 points after drawing with Marie Antoinette San Diego in 22 moves of a Queen's Gambit Declined. Canino, an 18-year-old from Cagayan de Oro and a silver medalist at the 2025 ASEAN Individual Championships, earned another trip to the Olympiad, having debuted in the 2024 edition in Budapest, Hungary, where the Philippines won a Category B gold medal.
Meanwhile, Woman International Master Jan Jodilyn Fronda and Bernadette Galas both finished with 10 points. Fronda secured third place and qualified for the Olympiad due to a better tiebreak score after splitting the point with Queen Pamplona in 30 moves of a Center-Counter game. The NCFP will nominate two additional players to complete the national team, ensuring a strong representation at the upcoming global event.
Event Support and Future Prospects
The championship was supported by Malolos Mayor Christian Natividad and the Philippine Sports Commission, underscoring the collaborative efforts to promote chess in the country. With Frayna leading the charge, the Philippine women's chess team is poised for success at the World Chess Olympiad, building on past achievements and fostering new talent in the sport.
