Frayna moves to top 10 in Spain

MANILA, Philippines — Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna downed International Master Santiago Beltran Rueda of Spain to barge into the top 10 after eight rounds of the 44th Open Internacional d’Escacs Vila De Sitges in Spain Saturday night.

The victory hiked Frayna’s output to 5.5 points as the Filipina ace gained a share of seventh with six others heading to the final round of the tournament. She, however, still stood one full point behind top seed GM Gadir Guseinov of Azerbaijan and half-a-point of the five-player second group led by Russian GM Sergey Volkov.

Frayna, priming up for the World Chess Olympiad in Georgia in Sept., also remained winless with three victories and five draws heading to her ninth round match with compatriot IM John Miciano, who battled Shrivatri Anuj of India 34 moves of a Gruenfeld Defense to likewise improve to 5.5 points

GM Jayson Gonzales also joined Frayna’s group after trouncing Saha Neelash of India. Gonzales also stayed on course of turning in another strong finish after a fifth-place effort in Barbara del Valles.