A few years ago, playing for the national team was just a dream for young Ruelle Canino.
Fast forward to 2024, and she’s turned that dream into a reality, making history for the Philippines.
The Lady Baby Tamaraw delivered a stellar performance at the FIDE Chess Olympiad last month in Budapest, Hungary, scoring six points in eight rounds and dropping only one game.
Canino’s efforts helped the Philippines secure its first-ever gold medal in Category B of the tournament.
Canino, who hails from Cagayan de Oro City, was the youngest member of the team and the only one without a master title.
Despite this, she played like a seasoned professional, gaining a significant 102-point boost to her FIDE rating, with a tournament performance rating of 2245.
Her Woman International Master-level performance earned her the Woman FIDE Master title at just 16 years old.
“Dream come true po talaga. Dati, pangarap ko lang magpunta sa ibang bansa to represent the Philippines at maging part ng national team. Ngayon, naexperience kong makita yung other world champions at mga chess idols ko,” Canino shared about her experience at the FIDE Chess Olympiad.
“Nakaka-overwhelm kasi first time ko and I got a gold medal sa Category B. Well-guided po ako ng mga ate ko sa Philippine team.”
The UAAP Season 86 Girls’ Division MVP was starstruck upon finally meeting her idols, who continue to inspire her burgeoning chess career.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Di ko po akalain na dati binabasa ko lang yung mga pangalan nila sa libro. Ina-analyze ko lang dati yung mga games nila at sinusundan ko lang yung mga opening moves nila. Ngayon, nakita ko na sila in person. I even got a souvenir picture with them,” said Canino, still in awe of the moment.
She hopes that this experience and her outstanding result on the global stage will drive FEU-D to another championship in the UAAP.
“Yung pagkapanalo po sa Olympiad boosted my confidence kasi hindi ko po akalain na kaya ko rin pala makipagsabayan sa other chess masters, especially since wala pa akong master title before the tournament,” she added.
Canino also expressed gratitude to FEU for their continuous support in elevating her game.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Sir Jayson (Gonzales). Malaking utang na loob talaga kasi siya po talaga yung nag-support sakin dati pa lang. Nung lumipat ako sa FEU, itinrain niya na talaga ako,” said Canino.
“Siya po yung nag-boost ng confidence ko. Sinuportahan niya ako mula sa eliminations, sa grandfinals, hanggang sa mag-champion ako. Nagpapasalamat din po ako sa FEU kasi all-out support sila sa mga tulad kong student-athletes. Walang sawa talaga sila sa pagsuporta.”
FEU head coach and Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales couldn’t hide his joy over Canino’s accomplishments.
“Si Ruelle kasi, naturally gifted siya. Kung magiging masipag siya, nandun na yung passion at spirit sa paglalaro. Then, it’s not impossible na maging magaling na magaling siya at mahigitan pa si Janelle (Mae Frayna). Alam naman ni Janelle yan. In fact, proud siya dahil isa siya sa nagmementor sa bata,” said Gonzales.
“Happy kami na maging behikulo ng isang Pilipino para mag-excel sa ibang bansa, na kami ang nagmentor.”
With Canino leading the charge, the Baby Lady Tamaraws will undoubtedly be a tough team to beat in the ongoing UAAP Season 87 Chess Tournament.
