THE Philippines remained on course in surpassing its finish in the last edition after it escaped past Iceland, 2.5-1.5, in the 10th and penultimate round of the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad at the Bok Sports Hall in Budapest, Hungary.

Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Janelle Mae Frayna and rookie revelation Ruelle Canino delivered the victories — the former using the Alekhine Defense in edging Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Hallgerdur Thorsteindottir in 56 moves at board two and the latter quashing Gudrun Fanney Briem's King's Indian in 31 moves at board four — that propelled the Filipinas to a share of 36th spot with 12 match points.