Dandel Fernandez scored 6.0 points on five wins and one loss to finish as first runner-up in the tournament behind champion UAE's Fide Master Ammar Sedrani, who scored 6.5 points.
The Philippines/Novelty chess team, under the guidance of sportsman Sonsea Agonoy, also helped the Philippines/Novelty chess team to a runner-up finish together with their teammate and compatriot Nelman Lagutin in the 28th Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival-Communities Tournament last August 20.
Fernandez, a former Maynilad top chess player, made the biggest upset in the 2 x 2 team event after halving the point with International Master Ali Sebbar of Egypt in the fourth round, toppling Grandmaster Bassem Amin of Egypt in the sixth round, and bested Fide Master Hilwani Talal of Syria in the seventh and final round.
"I would like to dedicate my victory to God, to my company, Saudi German Hospital, my fellow frontliners, and my countrymen," Fernandez said.
"It's an honor to represent our country," added Coach Fernandez, a former NCR SCUAA top player from the Technological University of the Philippines-Manila and a certified National Master in the Philippines.(Romeo Braceros Jr.)
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