Frayna blitz queen in Abu Dhabi

MANILA, Philippines — Filipina Janelle Mae Frayna achieved another milestone after she topped the ladies blitz section of the 31st Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival yesterday in the United Arab Emirates.

The country’s first and only Woman Grandmaster topped the nine-round event with an unbeaten score of eight points that she capped with a final-round draw with Uzbek International Master Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova.

The 29-year-old won her first seven games and settled for draws in the last two rounds to run away with the crown.

Fellow Olympiad veteran and former World Cupper Ruelle Canino wound up in a big group at 24th place with 5.5 points apiece. Frayna was also competing in the ultra-strong open Masters standard division.