1. g1f3  1... c7c5  2. e2e4  2... d7d6  3. f1b5  3... c8d7 This is considered the safest continuation against the Moscow variation. 4. b5d7  4... b8d7  5. e1g1  5... g8f6  6. f1e1  6... a8c8  7. c2c3  7... e7e6  8. d2d4  8... c5d4  9. c3d4  9... d6d5 Modifying the structure to a French one.  In return for the tempo wasted on d7-d6-d5, Black can brag about swapping  his poor light-squared bishop. 10. e4e5  10... f6e4  11. b1d2  11... e4d2  12. d1d2 A cool  move! It had already been played in a game which apparently was not  overlooked by the world champion. 12... f8e7  13. d2f4 The point behind the capture. White's pawn chain  highlights the kingside, and this is where White should be attacking. 13... e8g8  14. f4g4  14... f8e8 Xiong frees the f8-square for his light pieces, and this turns out to be a novelty. 15. h2h4 This is part of White's plan. The combined piece and pawn attack  is most powerful. 15... d8c7 Black prepares the typical defensive maneuver Qc7-c2-f5 but  falls short just by a move. 16. c1h6  16... g7g6 Why did Black weaken himself at  once? 17. g4f4 Precision in the details. The worst scenario has happened for  Black. He has no adequate counterplay on the queenside and has to watch in horror as his kingside is getting decimated. 17... c7c2  18. g2g4  18... b7b6 So that the pawn is not hanging after the capture  on b2. 19. b2b3 Which Carlsen does not allow. 19... e7a3  20. g1g2  20... c2b2  21. f3g5 