1. d2d4  1... d7d5  2. c2c4  2... e7e6  3. b1c3  3... h7h6 A cunning line, played regularly by Carlsen among other top players. 4. g1f3  4... g8f6  5. e2e3 Sevian decided to keep his dark-squared bishop behind the pawn chain. 5... f8d6 Here too, the bishop can be developed more powerfully. 6. b2b3  6... e8g8  7. c1b2  7... b7b6  8. f1d3  8... c8b7  9. e1g1  9... b8d7 In a symmetrical position both players start to prepare for the inevitable central clash. The c7-c5 and e6-e5 breaks are on the agenda and both sides try to anticipate the future. 10. a1c1  10... a7a6 Nihal prefers to keep his options open and takes away the b5-square from the enemy knight. 11. c1c2 That is a novelty. The rook move can be used for doubling on either the c- or the d-files. Or maybe even for a kingside attack. 11... f8e8 Another flexible move. 12. c4d5  12... e6d5  13. c3e2  13... d7f8 The beginning of a wrong idea. 14. e2g3  14... f8e6  15. f3e5 Now Sevian builds Pillsbury's favorite QGD attacking set-up which will give him a large advantage. 15... c7c5  16. f2f4 The central attacking ring is build and White can quickly transfer his pieces towards the kingside. 16... a8c8  17. g3f5 Dark clouds are gathering around Nihal's king and he cannot afford another inaccuracy any more. 17... d6f8 Now Black is losing at once. 18. d1e1  18... c5d4  19. e1g3 More or less decisive. The mating threats can be stopped only temporarily, with a desperate weakening move. 19... g7g5 Bold, but needed. 20. f4g5  20... e6g5  21. b2d4 White is winning.The black king's residence is completely destroyed. It is only a question of time when the countless white pieces will pay his Majesty one final visit. 21... c8c2  22. d3c2  22... b7c8 Somehow Nihal finds the strength to keep playing. 23. e5c6 Good enough for the full point. 23... f6h5  24. g3h4 