**Chess World Cup 2025: Scoresheet Controversy for Pranav V as Indians Shine Bright**
**Meta Description:** Drama at FIDE World Cup 2025! India’s Pranav V received a warning for a scoresheet violation. Discover how Indian GMs, including Arjun Erigaisi and P Harikrishna, dominated their Round 3 matches.
The FIDE World Cup 2025 saw unexpected drama unfold on Friday during a third-round encounter. Lithuanian Grandmaster Titas Stremavicius lodged a complaint against India’s promising young talent, Pranav V, sparking a brief but intense dispute.
Despite this momentary hiccup, other Indian chess stars continued to impress, delivering commanding performances and strengthening the nation’s presence in the prestigious tournament.
Scoresheet Violation Rocks FIDE World Cup Match
The Incident Unfolds
The core of the issue involved Pranav allegedly making multiple moves without diligently recording them on his scoresheet. Chess regulations clearly mandate that players must note down every move they make.
This critical rule ensures fair play and accurate game records. However, its oversight led to a significant interruption in the high-stakes match.
The situation escalated to the point where a third arbiter was called in to mediate the dispute. Fortunately, the matter was swiftly resolved.
After receiving a formal warning, Pranav V continued his match, which then resumed without further incident.
Pranav V Responds to the Controversy
Later, the 19-year-old Indian prodigy clarified that he wasn’t entirely aware of the specific scoresheet rule. “I did not know this, but you cannot make, like, I think, three moves without writing,” Pranav shared with Chess24 following his crucial victory over Stremavicius.
Despite the unexpected interruption and the formal warning, Pranav V showcased remarkable composure. He swiftly regained focus, went on to win the game, and consequently took the lead in the third-round match.
His resilience under pressure further bolstered India’s strong performance in the FIDE World Cup 2025.
Indian Grandmasters Deliver Dominant Performances
Commanding Wins for Erigaisi and Harikrishna
Beyond the scoresheet drama, other Indian Grandmasters continued to make headlines with their impressive play. Arjun Erigaisi and P Harikrishna both secured commanding victories while playing with the white pieces in their respective Round 3 encounters.
Arjun Erigaisi, currently the highest-ranked Indian in the competition, demonstrated a near-flawless performance. He decisively defeated Uzbekistan’s Shamsiddin Vokhidov in a mere 30 moves, showcasing his formidable skill.
Meanwhile, veteran P Harikrishna delivered a stunning upset against Belgium’s Daniel Dardha. Harikrishna concluded the game in just 25 moves after expertly deploying a surprise variation in the Sicilian Classical.
“I had prepared something new,” Harikrishna revealed. “My opponent missed a few ideas, and the position collapsed quickly.”
Trio of Draws for Top Indian Talent
Not all matches concluded with a decisive winner for India. World Champion D Gukesh, along with R Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi, all settled for draws while playing with the black pieces in their opening games of Round 3.
This strategic outcome sets up an exciting prospect for Saturday’s matches. The trio will now have the advantage of playing with white pieces, giving them a strong opportunity to push for wins and secure their spots in the crucial fourth round.
Key Indian Performances in Round 3, Game 1:
- Pranav V: Won after scoresheet controversy, leading his match.
- Arjun Erigaisi: Dominant win in 30 moves with white pieces.
- P Harikrishna: Stunning 25-move victory with white pieces.
- D Gukesh: Drew with black pieces, aims for win in next game.
- R Praggnanandhaa: Drew with black pieces, aims for win in next game.
- Vidit Gujrathi: Drew with black pieces, aims for win in next game.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Round Four
The FIDE World Cup 2025 continues to deliver both nail-biting chess and unexpected moments. Despite a momentary controversy, Pranav V’s resilience and the stellar performances of other Indian Grandmasters underscore the nation’s rising prominence in global chess.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on these talented players as they vie for a spot in the next stage. Their continued success promises an exciting future for Indian chess on the world stage.