1. e2e4  1... c7c5  2. g1f3  2... b8c6  3. b1c3 Shirov uses a well-known move order designed to avoid the infamous Sveshnikov Sicilian. This variation of the Sicilian is one of Gukesh's favorite weapons with the black pieces; his recent, brilliant win over Nodirbek Abdusattorov in Biel is the best example. 3... e7e5 This is the most principled reply, ensuring that White can no longer get the open Sicilian. 4. f1c4  4... d7d6  5. d2d3  5... h7h6 Some decades ago, this would have been considered a second-rate move. However, almost everything Magnus Carlsen touches turns to gold, so this approach recently gained traction among the strong players. 6. c3d5 A rare but reasonable continuation. 6... g8f6  7. c2c3  7... f8e7  8. a2a3 Shirov's play is logical—he is preparing to seize space on the queenside with b2-b4. Gukesh decides to stop this plan in its tracks with 8... a7a5 This is a novelty. 9. h1g1 Shirov's trademark approach $1 He plans to exchange the f6-knight and push g2-g4, which usually gains in strength with the presence of the h6-hook. 9... f6d5  10. c4d5  10... c8e6 While it is vital to deal with the strong d5-bishop, this move could wait. 11. d5e6 There are instances when this exchange works well for White (the game Santos Latasa-Praggnanandhaa from the same match is a case in point), but this is not one of them. 11... f7e6 As a result of the exchange, Black gets an open f-file and stabilizes the center, but what does White get in return $2 Shirov tries to take the initiative with 12. g2g4  12... d8d7 Gukesh opts for the most pragmatic move, preparing queenside castling. 13. g4g5  13... h6g5  14. c1g5  14... e7g5  15. g1g5  15... e8c8 Shirov got what he wanted—he opened the g-file. However, this whole plan seems doubtful in hindsight since his opponent obtained semi-open h- and f-files, and two is more than one $1 16. d1e2  16... d8f8  17. e1c1  17... f8f7 Gukesh plays logically—not only does he overprotect the g7-pawn, but he also threatens to double his rooks on the f-file to put pressure on white pieces. This virtually forces Shirov to play 18. g5g2 to cover these weaknesses on the second rank.  So far, the game has been more or less balanced. Here comes the turning point as Gukesh plays 18... a5a4 With this move, he indicates that he is ready to fight for the initiative on both fronts. 19. d1g1  19... b7b5 The young Indian player continues with the plan but also sets up a small psychological trap for his legendary opponent. 20. f3g5  20... f7e7  21. d3d4 True to his style, Shirov tries to create fire on the board, using the fact that the b5-pawn is hanging. Unfortunately for him, this double-edged idea will be neutralized, and I have a feeling that Gukesh saw this in advance. 21... e5d4  22. e2b5  22... c6e5 That's the key move that kills White's ambitions. Shirov won't be able to avoid the queen trade, and the resulting endgame will be in Black's favor because of his big pawn center. 23. b5a6  23... d7b7  24. a6b7  24... c8b7  25. c3d4  25... c5d4 Black has a protected passer in the center, whereas White's pawn structure holds much less potential. Not everything is lost for White, but he needs to play precisely to keep chances in this endgame. 26. g1d1  26... e5c6  27. f2f4  27... e6e5  28. f4f5 A decisive mistake. Searching for counter-chances, Shirov underestimated the strength of the black pawn center. 28... c6a5 