Woman’s grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna carved her name in history as the first Filipina to win an international women’s chess crown after topping the 31st Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival-Ladies Blitz in the United Arab Emirates.
Frayna, who earned her GM title in 2016 after the 42nd World Chess Olympiad held in Baku Azerbaijan, remained unbeaten with 8 points from seven wins and two draws, outplaying a solid pool of 120 competitors from 24 countries.
A many-time member of the Philippine team, Frayna is coached by Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales.
Born in Legazpi, Albay in 1996, Frayna is a product of the Far Eastern University and is a three-time Philippine women’s champion.