This move has been the favorite of strong GMs recently.
1. c2c4 Continuing the match trend of a new opening per game, this time Ding Liren plays the English Opening. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to Gukesh's team. 1... e7e5  2. b1c3  2... f8b4 The third most popular move, but not worse than 2...Nf6 or 2...Nc6. 3. c3d5 The natural reply, forcing Black to defend the bishop. 3... b4e7 3...Bc5 and 3...a5 are also popular options.