Arena Grandmaster Dandel Fernandez once again proved that Filipinos are world-class athletes after he finished second place in the 28th Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival – Frontline Heroes at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates on August 22.

Fernandez scored 6 points on five wins and one loss to finish as first runner-up of the tournament behind champion UAE’s Fide Master Ammar Sedrani who scored 6.5 points.

Fernandez, a front-liner at the Saudi German Hospital in UAE, also helped the Philippines/Novelty chess team under the guidance of sportsman Sonsea Agonoy bag a runner-up trophy together with Nelman Lagutin in the 28th Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival – Communities Tournament on August 20.

Fernandez, a former Maynilad top chess player, made the biggest upset in the 2X2 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 besting 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 front-liners, as well (as) to my countrymen. It’s an honor to represent our country,” he said.

Fernandez, a former NCR SCUAA top player from the Technological University of the Philippines – Manila, is also a certified National Master in the Philippines. (PNA)