Sandro Mareco Clinches 99th Argentine Championship: An Unbeaten Journey to Glory

The chess world recently witnessed a thrilling event as GM Sandro Mareco emerged victorious in the 99th Argentine Championship, held in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires from November 26 to December 6,
2024.

This year's tournament not only marked Mareco's second national title—having previously claimed victory in 2015—but also highlighted his exceptional skill as he remained unbeaten throughout the competition.

With a remarkable score of 8½ out of 11, Mareco secured his triumph with a decisive victory over IM Pablo Ismael Acosta in the final round, a testament to his strategic acumen and resilience.

In a tournament characterized by intense rivalries and rising talents, second place went to former champion GM Fernando Peralta, who also maintained an unbeaten record.

The tournament's structure included a 12-player round-robin format, leading to exciting matchups and unexpected turns.

This article will delve deeper into Mareco's path to victory, key highlights of the championship, and the performances of other notable players in the tournament.

Key Takeaways

• Sandro Mareco won the 99th Argentine Championship, achieving an undefeated 8½ out of 1
  
  1.
• This championship marks Mareco's second national title, his first being in
  2015.
• The final standings featured Mareco, Peralta, and Flores as top contenders, all remaining unbeaten.

Sandro Mareco's Path to Victory

## Sandro Mareco's Path to Victory Generalissimo Sandro Mareco has etched his name into the annals of Argentine chess history by winning the 99th Argentine Championship, held from November 26 to December 6, 2024, in Buenos Aires.

Mareco's outstanding performance culminated in an impressive score of 8½ out of 11, marking not only his second national title—his first being in 2015—but also an undefeated streak throughout the tournament.

His victory was sealed in a nail-biting final round against International Master Pablo Ismael Acosta, showcasing his strategic prowess and resilience under pressure.

The tournament saw fierce competition and intense matchups.

Defending champion GM Fernando Peralta trailed closely behind Mareco, finishing in second place with 8 points and also remaining unbeaten.

Peralta secured his superlative position by claiming victory in the final round against 11-year-old prodigy Faustino Oro, who impressed everyone with a remarkable debut, finishing fourth with a solid score of 6½ out of
11.

The structured 12-player round-robin format added to the competitive atmosphere, with early frontrunner IM Lucas Coro leading the pack until round
7.

Unfortunately for Coro, a brief setback occurred with two consecutive losses, causing him to drop in the standings.

As the dust settled, the podium was graced by Mareco in first place, Peralta in second, and GM Diego Flores in third, each maintaining their unbeaten records.

Mareco's remarkable journey in this championship not only highlights his incredible skill but reinforces Argentina’s rich chess legacy.

Highlights of the 99th Argentine Championship

In addition to the thrilling matches and outstanding performances, the 99th Argentine Championship showcased the depth of talent within the national chess scene.

Among the other competitors, players like GM Diego Flores and IM Lucas Coro brought significant excitement to the tournament.

Flores, finishing third, demonstrated his experience and strategic acumen throughout the event, managing to fend off challenges from both seasoned and young players alike.

Meanwhile, Coro's early lead highlighted his capabilities as an emerging force in Argentine chess, though the tournament's intensity proved challenging for him in the latter rounds.

This event not only celebrated Mareco's return to glory but also revealed the next generation of chess talent, making it clear that the future of Argentine chess is promising.