Pinay chessers stun Iranians

MANILA, Philippines — Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna and Woman International Master Kylen Joy Mordido came through with stirring victories as the Philippines shocked former solo leader Iran, 2.5-1.5, yesterday to seize a share of the lead after six rounds of the Asian Nations Online Chess Cup.

Frayna outplayed IM Sarasadat Khademalsharieh in a masterful board one victory while the 18-year-old Mordido unleashed a sacrificial attack to beat WFM Motahare Asadi on board four.

WIM Bernadette Galas drew with WFM Anousha Mahdian on board three to complete the Filipinas’ giant-sized win and catapult them to a three-way tie for first with the Iranians and the top-seeded Indians, who blasted the Indonesians, 3-1.

The Philippines’ lone loss came on board two after WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda blew her drawing chances in time scramble and succumbed to WIM Mobina Alinasab.

Interestingly, the Agila ng Pilipinas own the highest tiebreaker (won game points) with 19.5 against Iran’s 18.5 and India’s 17.