FORMER Batang Pinoy stalwart Ruelle ‘Tawing’ Canino, who’s now with the Far Eastern University (FEU) High School after her age-group days with Kauswagan Elementary School, Cagayan de Oro City, is a sensation in women’s division of the ongoing World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary.

The 16-year-old Canino, whose family is now residing in Barangay Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro, scored her first victory against foreign Woman Grandmaster in the seventh round of the Olympiad chessfest.

This, as the Philippine women’s team defeated the higher-rated Argentina, 2.5-1.5 as WGM Janelle Mae Frayna and Canino delivered the victories in their respective boards, while Woman International Master Jodilyn Fronda settled for a draw.

FAST-RISING. Cagayan de Oro pride Ruelle ‘Tawing’ Canino in action during the UAAP Games with her high school team Far Eastern University. Photo courtesy of the Canino family

Frayna humbled WIM Maria Jose Campos in 66 moves of the Reti Opening while Canino stunned Claudia Amura in 39 moves of the English Opening.

Fronda split the point with WIM Anapola Borda Rodas in 74 moves of the Sicilian defense as the Filipinas improved to 22nd place.

“As her trainor, lipay kaayo ko sa naabtan sa bata though I’m confident nga mas taas pa iyang ma-achieve considering sa iyang edad ug talent,” Canino’s long-time coach and trainer Jaime Joshua Frias II told Gold Star Daily.