1. e2e4  1... e7e5  2. g1f3  2... b8c6  3. f1c4  3... f8c5  4. d2d3  4... d7d6  5. c2c3  5... c5b6  6. e1g1  6... g8f6  7. a2a4  7... a7a5 The combination of the moves a7-a5 and Bc5-b6 does not seem logical, but it took Sindarov by surprise, and he spent a bit more than half an hour on the clock for his next move. 8. c1e3 Now White reaches the position above, but with an extra tempo (see move 3). 8... b6e3  9. f2e3  9... e8g8  10. b1d2  10... c6e7 Concretely a novelty, but not a new maneuver at all. 11. f3h4 White's plan is very typical—bring the queen to the g3-square, jump to f5 with the knight, and/or sacrifice an exchange on f6. The question is, does he have time for all of this $2 11... d6d5 An instant reaction in the center. Black definitely needs to create counterplay asap. 12. e4d5  12... e7d5  13. d1f3  13... d5b6 Very concrete play by Vidit again. He immediately hits the c4 and d3-spots. 14. e3e4  14... d8d6 With the intention of putting pressure on the d3-pawn. 15. f3e2  15... c8g4 [%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Vidit's play is very natural and effective. 16. h4f3  16... a8d8 The outcome of the opening is clearly favorable for Black, who has managed to put the opponent's center under serious pressure before White has managed to create kingside threats. 17. h2h3  17... g4h5  18. g2g4 A committal move. 18... h5g6  19. f1d1  19... f6d7 [%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A nice maneuver, after which it becomes clear that Black is already in charge. 20. c4b3 Sindarov is trying to swap off at least one set of minor pieces, which might relieve the central tension. 20... d7c5  21. d2c4  21... d6f6 [%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Vidit is very accurate. 22. b3a2  22... f8e8 [%c_effect e8;square;e8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A simple, but surprisingly powerful move. The center is protected and White finds himself struggling for constructive ideas. All the black pieces are beautifully positioned. 23. g1g2  23... b6a4  24. h3h4 The only chance for something concrete, but as mentioned before, Black is fantastically well-prepared for the battle. 24... f6f4 Well calculated. Now White will start regretting pushing the kingside pawns prematurely. 25. c4e5  25... e8e5  26. f3e5  26... f4e5  27. h4h5 A do-or-die moment. It seems as though White has managed to outsmart his opponent. 27... d8d3 [%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;Brilliant;persistent;true] Nope $1 Vidit had seen it all. This explosive central sacrifice opens the floodgates for the better-prepared black pieces. 28. a2f7  28... g8f8 Black chooses the most solid path. 29. d1d3  29... c5d3  30. e2e3  30... e5e4 Again, a practical, safe choice in the coming time-trouble. 31. e3e4  31... g6e4  32. g2g3  32... f8f7  33. a1a4  33... e4c6  34. a4a5  34... d3b2 Without queens on the board, White has fewer chances for random tricks. 35. a5f5  35... f7e7 A useful repetition to get closer to the time control. 36. f5e5  36... e7f7 