Controversy at Chess World Cup in Goa: Lithuanian GM Issues Complaint Against India's Pranav V; 3rd Arbiter Involved
The FIDE World Cup 2025, held in Goa, India, witnessed an unexpected controversy during the third round match between Lithuanian Grandmaster (GM) Titas Stremavicius and Indian GM Pranav V. The incident occurred on Friday and centered around an alleged violation of chess regulations by Pranav V.
Stremavicius lodged a complaint against Pranav V, claiming that the Indian GM had made several moves without recording them on his scoresheet. According to chess rules, players are required to meticulously note down each move made during a game. This ensures accuracy and provides a record of the game for review and analysis.
The situation escalated to the point where a third arbiter had to intervene to resolve the dispute. After a brief discussion and review of the incident, Pranav V received a formal warning. Following the warning, the game resumed.
Pranav V later acknowledged the incident, stating that he was not fully aware of the specific rule regarding the number of moves allowed before recording them. "I did not know this, but you cannot make, like, I think, three moves without writing," Pranav told Chess24 after the game.
Despite the interruption and the warning, Pranav V maintained his composure and went on to win the game against Stremavicius. This victory allowed him to advance in the tournament.
The incident involving Pranav V and Stremavicius adds to the drama that has unfolded at the Chess World Cup 2025. Earlier, Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi expressed dissatisfaction with the tournament conditions after his early exit. Nepomniachtchi, a two-time World Championship challenger and the reigning World Blitz champion, left the tournament venue and checked out of his hotel shortly after losing to Indian GM Diptayan Ghosh.
The FIDE World Cup 2025, taking place from October 31 to November 27 at the Rio Resort in Goa, features 206 players from 82 countries competing for a $2,000,000 prize fund. The winner will receive $120,000, and the top three finishers will qualify for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament.
While the controversy surrounding Pranav V's game has captured attention, other Indian players have also made strong showings in the tournament. Arjun Erigaisi and P Harikrishna secured victories in their Round 3 matches. Erigaisi defeated Uzbekistan's Shamsiddin Vokhidov in 30 moves, while Harikrishna surprised Belgium's Daniel Dardha in 25 moves with a new strategy in the Sicilian Classical variation. World champion D Gukesh drew his match with black pieces.
