Merino Garcia, Rafael 1982

Rafael 1982 Merino Garcia, a 44-year-old Spanish FIDE Master, is rated 2359 and sitting in the top 1% of Spanish players, and in the top 1% worldwide. He has held steady between 2350 and 2400 for 2 years. 13 rated games in the past year (≈5/year long-term). Recent standard appearances include CP Toledo Clubs 2025-26 Primera Division, CECLUB Segunda Division Sur 2025, and Cto Castilla-La Mancha Equipos Clubs 2025. Also played 2 rapid events (including IV Open Ajedrez de Navidad Rapidas Diagonal Alcorcon) recently. He had 5 career breaks: 17 months (2001–2003), 20 months (2005–2007), 21 months (2009–2011), 150 months (2011–2023) and 12 months (2023–2025). His peak of 2407 was reached at age 29 (May 2011); he also reached Spanish #92 in Apr 2025.

Awarded FM in 2004 (age 22). At junior level, he reached #7 nationally in U20.