Nepomniachtchi retakes the lead in the World Championship 3-2 after a smooth win

Ian Nepomniachtchi struck back with a powerfully conducted win against Ding Liren in game five
of their World Championship match in Astana, Kazakhstan.

After getting nothing against the Queen’s Gambit in Game 3 Nepomniachtchi switched back to
the 1.e4 he used in game 1. The closed Ruy Lopez has long been Ding’s weapon, this gives
black and white a lot of choices and is a high skill opening. Both players will have
definitely been familiar with the game Firouzja-Giri from Miami last year which was
also won by white in the end. 12.Bg5 was Nepomniachtchi’s new move
he said later “The position was part of my prep. But I should credit my opponent that for almost all
the game he played quite sensible moves.”

The middle game was now very tricky, Ding’s 19…Bd8 brought about exchanges that left
him with a bishop that was somewhat out of the game and a kingside that didn’t
have many pieces protecting it, 23.h4 was the start of Nepomniachtchi’s plan
to exploit this. Computers want 23…Ra2 going for queenside counter play, perhaps
this is correct, 25…Rd8 was also another suggested improvement. Ding identified
29…Nxf5? (29…Qf6! was much better) as his main mistake, he said he missed the strength of 33.g4.
Nepomniachtchi had a big advantage now and was completely in his element.
34.Qd5, 35.Kf1 and 36.Re4 all put the pressure on Ding who was slipping
into severe time pressure. 37…hxg5 may have been the decisive mistake but
even with an engine running black’s alternatives don’t seem that appetizing,
the point was 38.Rg4 f6 was refuted by the piece sacrifice 39.Nh4. After 38…Ra8
there was no doubt as to the result and Ding resigned on move 48.

Ding Liren: “This loss hurts even more than the previous one. I thought I was totally fine. But, ok, we still have many rounds ahead. I hope I can recover from this tough loss.”

Score: Nepomniachtchi 3-2 Ding. Best of 14.

Game 6 Sunday 16th April 10am UK time.