Last-Minute Intervention: Arbiter Saves Indian GM from Potential Blunder in Chess World Cup Thriller

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In a dramatic moment at the ongoing FIDE Chess World Cup 2025, a last-minute intervention by an arbiter saved Indian Grandmaster Pranesh M from a potentially costly blunder against World No. 5 Vincent Keymer. As the clock ticked down for Pranesh, Keymer made a move with the white pieces, prompting Pranesh to touch a pawn on d3. However, instead of playing the pawn, Pranesh moved his bishop to the opposite side of the board. The arbiter intervened, claiming that since Pranesh had touched the pawn, he was required to play it. To everyone's surprise, taking the pawn with his bishop was the best move, and the arbiter's decision proved crucial in saving Pranesh from a blunder. The game eventually ended in a draw. In other news, top seed D Gukesh was held to a draw by Frederik Svane, while Jose Martinez pulled off a major upset by defeating eighth seed Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Martinez, playing with the black pieces, successfully countered Abdusattorov's opening idea and went on to win the game. Meanwhile, Round 2 of the World Cup saw several high-profile eliminations, including Ian Nepomniachtchi, Wesley So, and Hans Niemann. Nepomniachtchi, who was eliminated, took to his Telegram channel to express his frustration with the conditions in Goa, where the tournament is being held.