CHAMP. Champion Ruelle Canino (left) poses with Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna, who finished third, during the awarding ceremony of the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship in Malolos, Bulacan on March 24, 2024. Canino will lead the Far Eastern University team in the Bangkok Open scheduled April 13-21 in Thailand. (Contributed photo)
MANILA – Newly crowned national women’s chess champion Ruelle Canino will banner the Far Eastern University (FEU) team in the Bangkok Open which will be held from April 13 to 21 at the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa in Thailand.
Canino became the youngest winner of the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship held in Malolos, Bulacan last month. She also earned a spot in the national squad that will compete in the FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary this September.
"I'm so grateful for this opportunity to be able to play in a different level tournament like the Olympiad," said the 16-year-old player from Cagayan de Oro.
“These past few days, all I've been doing is continuous training like what sir Jayson (Gonzales) said that consistency in training is also really needed, as well as self-discipline in order for my performance to continue," added Canino.
Gonzales, the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chief executive officer who also serves as national women’s team coach, said Canino's next target is to become a Woman International Master.
Also competing in Thailand are Vic Glysen Derotas, Mary Joy Tan, Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian, Bea Mendoza, Jasmine Rizalyn Tejada, Shaina Magne Romanillos, Franklin Lloyd Andes, Jerish John Velarde, Oscar Joseph Cantela, Lemuel Jay Adena, Ritchie James Abeleda, Zeus Paglinawan, Samantha Umayan, April Joy Claros, Kate Nicole Ordizo and Arleah Cassandra Sapuan.
The team is supported by FEU chair Aurelio "Gigi" Montinola, president Juan Miguel Montinola, Manila athletics director Mark Molina, and Diliman executive director Dr. Armi Cunanan-Yabut.
Aside from Canino, FEU has also produced national champions and Grandmasters like Gonzales, Bong Villamayo, and WGM Janelle Mae Frayna. (PNA)
