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Faustino Oro, 12, Defeats GM Sandro Mareco to Win 'Match of the Year' in Bahía Blanca

The 12-year-old IM prevailed 3.5–2.5 in a 20+10 rapid series at Bahía Blanca's Dow Center.

Overview

  • Oro entered the sixth game leading 3–2 and secured the Copa Protegen with a final draw, finishing the six-game match undefeated.
  • The head-to-head was contested as rapid chess at 20 minutes plus a 10‑second increment across six games.
  • The event was staged at the Dow Center by Holding Protegen and the Aldo García Labandal chess workshop, with international arbiter Marcelo Hermida overseeing play and local host Juan Ignacio “Pepe” Sánchez making the ceremonial first move.
  • A concurrent open team championship drew 27 teams and was won by Protegen Group, featuring Mareco, Oro and Nicolás Pascolini.
  • Organizers reported a $14,000 prize pool and streamed the match on YouTube for on-site and online audiences.