A controversy has erupted at the FIDE World Cup in Goa, India, as Lithuanian Grandmaster Titas Stremavicius has lodged a formal complaint against Indian GM Pranav V during their round three match. The crux of the issue revolves around Pranav's alleged failure to record his moves during the classical games.
According to reports, the incident occurred when Stremavicius stopped the clock after two consecutive moves by Pranav were not recorded. Sources indicate that Pranav played Pawn B5, and Stremavicius, under time pressure, responded with King B6. Pranav then immediately played Rook A8 without either player recording the moves. This prompted Stremavicius to immediately stop the clock and summon an arbiter.
Chess regulations stipulate that players must record their moves during a game. The purpose of this rule is to maintain an accurate record of the game's progress, which can be crucial in resolving disputes or analyzing the game later. While a certain number of moves can be made without recording, the exact allowance is unclear.
The incident has sparked considerable debate within the chess community. Some argue that Stremavicius was justified in his actions, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the rules of chess. Others suggest that a more lenient approach should be taken, particularly in fast-paced games where players may be under severe time pressure.
Pranav V, the world junior champion, had previously demonstrated strong performance at the World Cup, securing his place in the third round after defeating Aryan Tari of Norway. After a loss in the second classical game, Pranav won the first rapid game in 44 moves and drew the second game to advance. He stated that he focused on playing his game without dwelling on previous results, and that his preparations were effective. His advancement to round three sets up the match against Stremavicius.
Titas Stremavicius, on the other hand, had defeated Wesley So in the second round to reach the match with Pranav.
The FIDE World Cup 2025, taking place in Goa from October 31 to November 27, is a significant event in the chess calendar. It features a single-elimination knockout format with 206 players, with the top 50 seeds receiving a bye in the first round. Each match consists of two classical games with a time control of 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 more minutes, with a 30-second increment per move. Tie-breaking procedures are in place if matches remain tied after the classical games. The top three finishers will qualify for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament. The tournament boasts a total prize fund of $2,000,000, with the winner taking home $120,000.
As of now, the arbiters are reviewing the complaint, and FIDE is expected to release an official statement soon. The outcome of this dispute could have implications for the rest of the tournament and may lead to further discussions about the enforcement of chess regulations in high-stakes competitions. The chess world awaits the decision with bated breath.
