World Chess Weekly: Faustino Oro Says He's Not 'Obsessing Over The Norm'
There are many who would prefer to not be talking about IM Faustino Oro's appearance at Russia's premier chess tournament, the 2026 Aeroflot Open in Moscow.
After all, in recent years FIDE restrictions have cast the host country firmly in the role of black sheep of the chess family, and Oro has surely been invited to help reverse that. Or for propaganda reasons, depending on your viewpoint.
But the circumstances make it impossible to ignore Oro's presence: even at 12, he is box office and his bid to become the youngest grandmaster in history by breaking GM Abhimanyu Mishra's record is epic.
For that reason, the world—whether it likes it or not—will be watching. Oro is, without a doubt, the star attraction at Russia's most outward-facing chess tournament and if he achieves his aim the attention will be huge.
But geopolitics aside, can Argentina's incredible youngster do it? Oro has until March 11 to etch his name into chess history and the Aeroflot, which he entered last-minute, is his final chance.
Meanwhile, Oro the so-called "Messi of chess" insists he's playing it cool before his first game of the open on Saturday.
In a short question and answer session published on the Chess Federation of Russia's website, Oro was asked if he's focusing on getting that third norm.
He replied: "I am very excited to play in a tournament with as much history as the Aeroflot Open.
"Rather than obsessing over the norm, my goal is to play my best chess against high-level opponents. If I play well, the norm will come naturally."
Oro may not be obsessing over it, but would he really be in Moscow this February if he wasn't going for the record?
Probably not. Play it cool Oro—and break that record!
The Aeroflot Open runs from February 27 to 6 March at The Carlton in Moscow.