1. d2d4  1... g8f6  2. c2c4  2... g7g6  3. b1c3  3... d7d5  4. g1f3  4... f8g7  5. d1b3  5... d5c4  6. b3c4  6... e8g8  7. e2e4  7... b8c6 The Russian GM did not spare superlatives about his opponent. "This line  became popular basically because of Maxime, who never lost a game in it." 8. c1e3 "Surely not the best move, but it is not played too often"  (Nepomniachtchi). 8... f6g4  9. e4e5  9... g4e3 Nepomniachtchi considered this decision creative but  strategically dangerous for Black as White gets a strong center. 10. f2e3  10... c8g4  11. h2h3  11... g4f3  12. g2f3  12... e7e6  13. h3h4 White's game is easy and straightforward. Behind the huge center he can build a strong kingside attack. 13... c6e7  14. f3f4  14... b7b5 The only chance to create some counterplay. 15. c4c5  15... e7f5  16. e1f2  16... f7f6  17. a1d1  17... b5b4  18. c5b4  18... a8b8  19. b4a3  19... f6e5 Vachier-Lagrave is trying to open as many files as he can but misses an important, cementing move by his  opponent. 20. d4e5  20... d8e8  21. f1g2  21... g7e5 Consistently opening the white king. 22. f4e5  22... f5h4  23. f2g1  23... h4g2  24. c3e4 Missed from afar by Vachier-Lagrave.  Nepomniachtchi not only covers his king; he is getting ready to mate  first. 24... b8d8 "A good try but not enough" (Vachier-Lagrave). 25. d1c1 White's attack is stronger. 25... e8b5 A desperate try. 26. a3e7 Without the queen Black cannot defend his king. 26... d8d7  27. e4f6  27... f8f6  28. e7f6 