Filipina Chess GM sweeps Ladies Blitz in Abu Dhabi Int'l Tilt

Report by Ma. Kazzandra Melegrito | Layout by Nikka Gutierrez | Photo credits to the rightful owner

Filipino Woman Grandmaster (WGM), Janelle Mae Frayna, dominated the ladies blitz event finishing the game with eight unbeaten points in the 31st Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival on August 24, 2025, at the United Arab Emirates.

The 29-year-old Bicolana remained unbeaten with a flawless eight-point (8) score from seven wins (7) and two (2) draws, one is from a match against the Uzbek International Master, Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova.

Moreover, the country’s first and only WGM competed against 120 opponents from 24 countries including 23 titled masters on a nine-round event.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) on the other hand, commended her mastery in clinching the historic title under intense competition.

“Despite the tough international competition, Frayna demonstrated her trademark grit and brilliance, securing the gold for the Philippines.”

Meanwhile, Frayna has expressed an earlier statement prior to entering the match, August 17—she acknowledged the fellow Filipinos in the UAE, and honored the tournament’s challenge, yet promised to pour her best.

“This is my first time playing in the Abu Dhabi Chess Festival. Thank you to our Pinoy friends who made us feel at home. It’s one tough tournament, but I will surely give my best,” she said.

The Filipino WGM clinches historical triumph as the first-ever Filipina to win an international women’s chess crown, marking a significant benchmark for Philippine Chess.