THE Philippines remained on track to surpass its previous 24th-place finish after the women's team defeated Costa Rica, 3-1, in the 10th and penultimate round of the 46th Women’s Chess Olympiad at the Silk Road International Exhibition Centre in Uzbekistan.
Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna, Woman International Master Jan Jodilyn Fronda-Grafil, and Woman FIDE Master Shania Mae Mendoza secured victories on boards one, three, and four, respectively, to anchor the Philippine squad's win. WIM Ruelle Canino suffered the team's only defeat, falling in 49 moves to WIM Sofia Mayorga Araya on board two.
With the victory, the Philippine women's team — supported by the Philippine Sports Commission — climbed into an 11-nation tie for 21st place with 13 match points entering the final round.
The Filipinas faced the 20th-seeded British team in the final round, aiming for a win to secure a top-20 finish and a second consecutive Category B gold medal. The team previously placed 24th overall and claimed the gold in their division two years ago in Budapest, Hungary. Delegation head and Misamis Occidental Gov. Henry Oaminal Sr. has pledged a P500,000 bonus if the team finishes in the top 20.
In the men's division, the Philippines swept the Dominican Republic, 4-0, to join a group tied for 20th place with 12 match points. International Masters Michael Concio Jr., Pau Bersamina, and Jem Garcia, along with Grandmaster Darwin Laylo, earned points in the sweep before facing Panama in their final round match.
