1. e2e4  1... e7e5  2. g1f3  2... b8c6  3. f1b5  3... a7a6  4. b5a4  4... g8f6  5. e1g1  5... f8e7  6. a4c6 [%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;Interesting;persistent;true] No surprises in Ding's opening choice—we were all expecting a classic 1.e4 e5. But Nepomniachtchi shows his weapons already on move six. He had never played the \"Delayed Exchange Variation\" before. 6... d7c6  7. f1e1 [%c_effect e1;square;e1;type;Interesting;persistent;true] The move played in the game is just the fourth most popular, despite having, even so, vast theory behind it. The idea will become clear in the next move: White wants to advance his pawn to d4. Ding has faced this system three times, but in all the games his opponents played 7.d3. 7... f6d7  8. d2d4 [%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is the point. White seeks a more open game, rather than the typical maneuvers that result from slower play with the pawn on d3. 8... e5d4  9. d1d4  9... e8g8  10. c1f4  10... d7c5  11. d4e3 This is more dangerous than the queen exchange. 11... c8g4 [%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] A new move and not an accurate one. 12. f3d4 [%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The problem with the bishop move is that the knight is not pinned, so it can move and the bishop is not in a stable position. 12... d8d7 The natural reaction, preparing to bring the rook to d8. 13. b1c3  13... a8d8 A critical moment where white's play can be improved. 14. d4f5 [%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This move allows Black to equalize. 14... c5e6 [%c_effect e6;square;e6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] 15. f5e7  15... d7e7  16. f4g3 Now the game goes into a slow maneuvering phase. 16... g4h5  17. f2f3 White is slightly better because of the pawn structure. He can prepare the pawns’ advance on the kingside and press without any risk of defeat, so the opening can be considered a success for Nepomniachtchi. 17... f7f6  18. h2h3  18... h7h6  19. g1h2  19... h5f7  20. a1d1  20... b7b6  21. a2a3  21... a6a5 Both players improve their structure and their pieces in the last few moves. 22. c3e2  22... d8d1  23. e1d1  23... f8d8  24. d1d3 [%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;Interesting;persistent;true] An interesting move to fight for the d-file. 24... c6c5  25. e3d2  25... c7c6 [%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Positionally very dangerous, as it allows the invasion of the white queen. 26. d3d8  26... e6d8  27. d2f4 [%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The white queen enters the game and Black's position becomes more dangerous. It's impossible to defend all pawns on the queenside. 27... b6b5  28. f4b8  28... g8h7 From now on, Nepomniachtchi's game will be hesitant and he starts losing the advantage. To be honest, it's hard to say whether it's possible to win here against an accurate defense. More likely, White will win a pawn but Black will have enough resources to defend. But it was possible, at the very least, to make Ding suffer for a long time. 29. g3d6 [%c_effect d6;square;d6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] 29... e7d7  30. e2g3  30... d8e6  31. f3f4  31... h6h5  32. c2c3  32... c5c4  33. h3h4 