‘No big deal’: Nihal Sarin reacts after being shown middle finger during online blitz game | Chess News

Nihal took X (previously Twitter) to make clear that it’s no massive deal. “No massive deal. Concerning the current incident, I wish to make clear that I used to be not offended. Issues occur within the warmth of the second,” he posted on his X account.

The incident occurred throughout TakeTakeTake’s Titled Tuesday occasion, the place the 2 gamers have been concerned in a really tense endgame battle.

Concerning the current incident, I wish to make clear that I used to be not offended. Issues occur within the warmth of the second — no massive deal. cc @TakeTakeTakeApp

— Nihal Sarin (@NihalSarin) February 26, 2026

Nihal held a barely higher place on the board with a rook and pawn whereas Ohanyan had a bishop and a pawn left.

Each gamers have been going through the time clock stress and Nihal had much less time left. With no simple ending in sight, each gamers have been ready for the opposite to make a mistake. The second got here when Ohanyan made a untimely transfer, anticipating Nihal to reply in a sure method. Nihal shortly noticed the error and captured his bishop to safe the win.

After realising his mistake, Ohanyan stoop up and confirmed his center finger in direction of the display screen and walked away.

Take Take Take app shared the video on social media with the caption, “we’ve all been there.” The video went viral with and attracted widespread criticism with followers defending Nihal and calling the response embarrassing.

The app finally took down the video after the criticism and posted a clarification observe.

“We don’t interpret the hand gestures to be in direction of Nihal, however in direction of the pc/sport itself,” the organisers wrote. “If it was supposed in direction of Nihal, we clearly don’t condone that or wish to normalize it. Nevertheless, somewhat rage after dropping a sport will not be out of the odd,” the additional added.