1. e2e4  1... c7c5  2. g1f3  2... d7d6  3. f1b5 The Moscow variation was especially popular  today at the IOM. 3... c8d7  4. b5d7  4... d8d7  5. c2c4 A very solid approach  against the world champion. 5... e7e5  6. b1c3  6... b8c6  7. d2d3  7... f8e7  8. a2a3  8... e7d8 Black's setup is somewhat artificial, but since the center is  clamped, he can afford to play slowly. 9. e1g1  9... g8e7  10. b2b4  10... e8g8  11. b4c5 Simple and good. 11... d6c5  12. c3d5  12... e7g6  13. c1e3  13... b7b6  14. f3d2 Kovalev is getting ready for his opponent's main  resource. 14... f7f5  15. e4f5  15... d7f5  16. d2e4 All the white pieces are perfectly placed, and Carlsen has to be  careful. 16... g6f4  17. g2g3  17... f5g6  18. g1h1 Practically forcing the trade on d5. 18... f4d5  19. c4d5  19... c6e7 One more inaccuracy. Not obvious but a serious one. The knight is not  stable where it is heading. 20. d5d6  20... e7f5  21. d1b3  21... g8h8  22. b3d5 The passer is nicely supported. Next Kovalev opens the road for  his major pieces, and Carlsen's situation becomes critical. 22... d8f6  23. a1e1  23... a8d8  24. f2f4  24... f5e3 This only helps White. 25. e1e3  25... e5f4  26. f1f4  26... h7h6  27. d6d7 So far Kovalev played flawlessly and  managed to outplay his mighty opponent. But within a striking distance  from the win, he starts to hesitate. The game move is the most logical  continuation. 27... f6e7 The world champion understands that no matter how bad this bishop is, it is an important defender. 28. e3f3 Consistently trading the blockers of the passer. 28... f8f4  29. f3f4  29... b6b5  30. e4c5 Again not  a bad move. 30... e7c5  31. d5c5  31... h8h7 The best defense. 32. c5d5  32... g6g5  33. d5e4 Missing the third win. 33... g5g6  34. e4d5  34... g6g5  35. d5d6  35... g5g6 