Far Eastern University (FEU) student and candidate for cum laude honors, Janelle Mae Frayna, is officially the first Filipino female chess Grand Master (GM).
Frayna clinched the honor after her excellent performance at the 42nd World Chess Olympiad held in September at Baku Azerbaijan where she won over male and female GMs with international master titles.
The 20-year- old FEU Psychology senior had a rating of 2281 at the end of the chess Olympiad, leaving a record of 4 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss in 9 games and earning her the GM title, according to her FEU trainer and coach GM Jayson Gonzales.
The Albay native studied at the Divine Word High School before moving to Manila to finish her high school and college.
Albay Congressman Joey Salceda hailed Frayna’s as an empowering example that women can excel in sports, and that the youth can achieve their dreams even when they are young.
“Her pioneering and historic achievement in the field of chess is a source of pride and inspiration to all Filipinos and a testament to the world of our indomitable spirit of competitiveness and excellence,” he said.
The House of Representatives passed a resolution sponsored by Salceda commending Frayna as the country’s first female GM.
