Women’s chess unwraps

MANILA, Philippines — Janelle Mae Frayna seeks to defend her distinction as the country’s top female player as she banners the 12-player field in the 2021 Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship unfolding today at the PACE building in Quezon City.

The 24-year-old Frayna, the country’s first and only Woman Grandmaster (WGM), is the prohibitive favorite with the highest rating of 2190 and the most number of titles won in this annual tournament with two.

Challengers include former national champions and Woman International Masters Shania Mae Mendoza and Jan Jodilyn Fronda.