A dramatic moment unfolded at the FIDE World Cup 2025 in Goa when Lithuanian Grandmaster Stremavicius Titas raised an official complaint against Indian prodigy GM Pranav V during their third-round encounter. The issue stemmed from Pranav allegedly making multiple moves without recording them on his scoresheet, a direct violation of FIDE’s touch-move and notation regulations. The incident required arbitration and briefly halted play, drawing attention from players, officials, and fans alike.
According to tournament rules, players must record each move as it is played. Failure to do so can result in penalties or warnings, especially in high-stakes matches like the World Cup. Stremavicius, visibly concerned, called for the arbiter’s intervention after noticing Pranav’s repeated lapses. The situation escalated to the point where a third arbiter was brought in to resolve the dispute. Ultimately, Pranav received a formal warning, and the game resumed without further incident.
🧠 Key Highlights from the FIDE World Cup Controversy
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | FIDE World Cup 2025 |
| Location | Goa, India |
| Date | November 7, 2025 |
| Players Involved | GM Stremavicius Titas (Lithuania) vs GM Pranav V (India) |
| Complaint Raised | Failure to record moves on scoresheet |
| Arbiter Action | Formal warning issued to Pranav V |
| Outcome | Game resumed, Pranav won the match |
The incident has sparked debate over rule enforcement and player discipline in elite chess tournaments.
📊 Timeline of the Controversial Encounter
| Minute | Event Description | Impact on Match |
|---|---|---|
| 15′ | Pranav makes move without notation | Stremavicius observes violation |
| 20′ | Second move without notation | Complaint raised |
| 25′ | Arbiter intervenes | Game paused |
| 30′ | Third arbiter joins | Formal warning issued |
| 35′ | Match resumes | Pranav regains composure |
| 90′ | Pranav wins the game | Advances to next round |
Despite the disruption, Pranav maintained focus and secured victory through tactical precision.
🗣️ Reactions from Chess Community
| Stakeholder | Commentary Summary |
|---|---|
| FIDE Officials | “Rules must be upheld, especially at the World Cup level.” |
| GM Pranav V | “I didn’t know you couldn’t make three moves without writing.” |
| GM Stremavicius Titas | “It’s about fairness and consistency.” |
| Fans | “Pranav showed maturity after the warning.” |
The incident has reignited discussions around player education and rule awareness in junior circuits.
📌 Strategic Implications for Indian Chess
| Area | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Rule Enforcement | Stronger emphasis on notation discipline |
| Player Development | Training modules to include regulatory compliance |
| Tournament Integrity | Reinforces FIDE’s commitment to fair play |
| Public Engagement | Increased media attention on Indian chess |
Pranav’s win, despite the controversy, highlights India’s rising talent and resilience under pressure.
📈 Performance Snapshot – GM Pranav V at FIDE World Cup 2025
| Round | Opponent | Result | Notable Moments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | GM Jorge Cori | Win | Tactical endgame |
| Round 2 | GM Salem Saleh | Win | Queen sacrifice brilliance |
| Round 3 | GM Stremavicius Titas | Win | Arbiter intervention |
Pranav remains unbeaten in the tournament and is now among the top 16 contenders.
📊 Comparative Snapshot – Notation Violations in Chess History
| Event | Player Involved | Violation Type | Arbiter Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates 2013 | Ivanchuk | Time delay | Warning issued |
| Olympiad 2022 | Gukesh D | Illegal move | Move reversed |
| World Cup 2025 | Pranav V | Notation lapse | Formal warning |
The Goa incident joins a rare list of rule-based controversies in elite chess.
📌 Conclusion
The FIDE World Cup 2025 witnessed a rare moment of contention when Lithuanian GM Stremavicius Titas filed a complaint against Indian GM Pranav V for failing to record moves. The situation, resolved through arbitration, highlighted the importance of rule adherence in professional chess. Pranav’s ability to recover and win the match speaks volumes about his composure and talent. As the tournament progresses, this incident will serve as a reminder of the fine balance between discipline and performance.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available tournament reports, verified media coverage, and official statements. It is intended for informational and editorial purposes only and does not constitute legal or coaching advice.
