WITH Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna showing the way, the Philippines dealt regional rival Vietnam a 3-1 thrashing in the 10th and penultimate round last Monday to move on the verge of carving its best performance ever in the World Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India.
Frayna, Woman International Masters Marie Antoinette San Diego and Kylen Joy Mordido came through with masterful wins on boards one, three and four, respectively, to seal the upset win.
Of the four, only WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda lost, to WGM Nguyen Thi Ma Hung on second board.
But it was hardly felt as the Filipinas, backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, moved into a tie for 22nd place with 10 other countries with 13 match points.
The Filipinas were clashing with 14th pick Cuba in the final round at press time.
The Philippine men’s team routed Guatemala 4-0 to move up to an 18-nation tie at 41st spot with 12 points.
The Filipinos were battling Norway, which is led by reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen, in the final round.
