Ruelle Canino pulled off the biggest shocker at the start of the National Women’s Chess Championship after pulling the rug from under top seed Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna Saturday at the PACE building in Quezon City.
Canino, a 13-year-old sensation from Cagayan de Oro, stunned Frayna after a marathon 96 moves of a Jobava System of the London Opening to gain a share of the early lead with defending champion Jan Jodilyn Fronda and WGM candidate Kylen Joy Mordido.
Fronda, who ruled the tournament two years back, dismantled Lexie Grace Hernandez after a 51-move duel of a Caro-kann Defense, while Mordido turned back Rinoa Mareil Sadey in 38 moves of a Sicilian Defense.
But it was Canino’s triumph that shone the brightest as she outplayed the country’s highest ranked player and first WGM in the tournament.
“I hope to perform well and gain rating points,” said Canino in Filipino, who was coming off a runner-up finish in the girls division of the National Juniors Championship two weeks ago at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Woman International Master Bernadette Galas and Woman National Master Francois Marie Magpily agreed to a draw after 32 moves of a Ruy Lopez game, even and WIM Marie Antoinette San Diego also split the point with Woman FIDE Master Shania Mae Mendoza in 31 moves of a Slav Defense.
Mariano Calimbo’s match with Allaney Doroy, however, was rescheduled after Calimbo’s flight was rebooked due to inclement weather in Cebu.
A berth to the Philippine team competing in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam next year is at stake in this 11-round tournament as well as P50,000 champion’s purse.