Photo sourced from Rappler.com
We have one more chess player to join the ranks of Eugene Torre and Wesley So: Janelle Mae Frayna made history by becoming the first female chess grandmaster in the Philippines.
The title was given to Frayna when she had a 2281 rating at the 42nd World Chess Olympiad at Baku Azerbaikan, where she had four wins, four draws, and one loss. Three of the players she beat were international masters.
Frayna is a 20 year old Albay native and psychology student at Far Eastern University, where is a candidate for cum laude honors.
Following the win, Albay second district Representative Joey Salceda filed a resolution to commend the achievement and give a financial incentive of P50,000.
The resolution was co-authored by AKO Bicol Representatives Rodel Batocabe, Christopher Co, and Alfredo Garbin, and Albay Representatives Edcel Lagman (first district) and Fernando Gonzales (third district).
According to Salceda, the resolution was approved the same day it was filed.
On Facebook, he added, “Her pioneering and historic achievement in the field of chess is a source of pride and inspiration to all Filipinos and a testament to the world of our indomitable spirit of competitiveness and excellence.”
Frayna will also have a courtesy call with President Rodrigo Duterte.
What do you think of this win? Share your thoughts below!
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