Phl chessers on track for top 10 finish

The Philippines blew its chance of stunning Romania but did just enough to eke out a 2-2 upset draw in the eighth round and stayed in the hunt for a top 10 finish in the 46th World Chess Olympiad at the Silk Road International Exhibition Centre in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on Thursday night.

Down .5-1.5 after a draw by Woman International Master Jan Jodilyn Fronda-Grafil on board four and a loss by Mhage Sebastian on top board, the Filipinas appeared headed to pull off a shocker as both Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna and WIM Ruelle Canino were two pawns up and winning on boards two and three.

But Canino, in deep time trouble, couldn’t deliver the win and settled for a draw after WGM Elena-Luminita Cosma claimed a draw via three-time same position, leaving Frayna with the responsibility of saving the day for the Philippines, which is being financed by the Philippine Sports Commission.

Frayna-Grafil effortlessly converted her two-pawn edge into a 67-move triumph over WIM Miruna-Daria Lehaci in their French duel, forging the team draws that kept them in a 15-nation tie for 18th place with 11 match points apiece.

With three rounds to go, they’re also in contention to finish in the top 10, the country’s best finish ever if that happens, and snaring that P1 million purse promised by delegation head and Misamis Occidental Gov. Henry Oaminal Sr. for a top 10 effort.

The Philippines was clashing with 22nd pick Israel in the ninth round at press time.