1. g1f3  1... d7d5  2. g2g3  2... g8f6  3. f1g2  3... e7e6  4. e1g1  4... f8e7  5. c2c4  5... e8g8  6. b2b3  6... c7c5  7. c4d5  7... f6d5  8. c1b2  8... b8c6  9. d2d4  9... c5d4  10. f3d4  10... c6d4  11. d1d4  11... e7f6  12. d4d2  12... d5f4 The opening strategies for both sides during the match were pretty clear. Ding was the one trying to run away from mainstream theory and searching for some offbeat variations even if there's no advantage, as long as there's something to play for. Nepomniachtchi, on the other hand, is not against an opening battle in the main lines and is ready to go with forcing, computer variations. 13. g3f4  13... d8d2  14. b1d2  14... f6b2  15. a1d1  15... b2f6  16. d2c4 White has some slight pressure, but if Black knows what to do, a draw is very likely. 16... a8b8  17. c4e5  17... f8d8  18. d1d8  18... f6d8  19. f1d1  19... d8e7  20. e5d7  20... c8d7  21. d1d7  21... g8f8  22. g2b7  22... b8d8  23. d7c7  23... a7a5 White is a pawn up, but due to the presence of opposite-colored bishops, there are no realistic winning chances. The game soon ends in a draw. 24. c7c4 