An uneventful game for the two players who had had a poor 4th round in Nanjing. The reigning world champion failed to find a fantastic save, shown later by Dr. Karsten Mueller, and suffered an upset, while Gashimov, who had been squeezing Carlsen for most of the game and had even had him on the ropes, somehow failed to convert his advantage into the full point. Both players were recovering from the shock of the previous day.
1.d4
d5
2.c4
c6
3.Nc3
Nf6
4.e3
g6
5.Nf3
This line is becoming quite popular in Nanjing!
5...Bg7
6.Be2
0-0
7.0-0
Bg4
8.cxd5
[8.b3
was famed Blackburne's choice back in 1887! However, in spite of its historical value, this is considered typical and even detrimental according to modern theory.]
8...cxd5
9.Qb3
b6
10.h3
Bc8!?
An odd choice by Gashimov. [10...Bxf3
11.Bxf3
e6
12.Bd2
might give white better prospects due to his bishop pair.]
11.Bd2
Nc6
12.Ne5
Bb7
13.Nxc6
Bxc6
14.Rfc1
Qd7
15.a4
Rfc8
Black has now successfully completed his development. The position is about equal and Gashimov's only care is the positional maneuvers which he handled accurately.
16.a5
bxa5
17.Rxa5
e6
18.Rca1
Bf8
19.Qa2
Rcb8
20.Nd1
Ne4
21.Be1
Rb7
22.Ba6
Rb6
23.Bd3
Rb7
24.Ba6
Rb6
25.Bd3
Rb7
1/2-1/2