Canino eyes Chess Olympiad slot

Ruelle Canino

STAR / File

MANILA, Philippines — Ruelle Canino resumes her quest for a Woman Grandmaster title as she hopes to make the Philippine team seeing action in the 46th Chess Olympiad slated September 15-28 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Canino actually came half a point close to achieving the WGM title but couldn’t find the winning line and ended up with a draw against Mongolian Batpelden Buyankhishig and second in the 6th ASEAN Individual Chess Championships in Ozamis.

The 18-year-old Far Eastern University standout ended with a Woman International Master title instead.

But Canino would have her chances again as she competes in The Battle of the Women’s Masters set February 1-11 in Malolos, Bulacan where 15 others, including the country’s lone WGM Janelle Mae Frayna, are seeing action.

If she ends up making the squad, Canino will have plenty of chances to shoot for the stars and snare that dream title.

Also joining in the event, which host city Mayor Christian Natividad is bankrolling, are Jan Jodilyn Fronda, Shania Mae Mendoza, Bernadette Galas, Marie Antoinette San Diego, Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian, Kate Nicole Ordizo, Queen Rose Pamplona, Heart Padilla, Maria Kristine Lavandero, Apple Rubin, Allaney Jia Doroy, Vic Glysen Derotas, Bonjoure Fille Suyamin and Cherry Ann Mejia.