Nepomniachtchi did have the upper hand throughout the match, but could not break through Ding's defences as the pair have to settle for the second draw in a row to make the score 5-4.

The match lasted 82 moves, highlighted by the battle between the knights.

Ding was using the black pieces while Nepomniachtchi used white.

The most crucial part of the match-up was when Nepomniachtchi had a chance to capture Ding’s rook to be exchange up, but went for a bishop exchange instead, leading to Ding equalising.

The players exchanged queens as well as a pair of rooks and other minor pieces.

Towards the end, Nepomniachtchi had an extra pawn and an active king, but Ding held his own and pulled through for a draw, which keeps him in contention for the title.

The Russian only needs 2.5 points to secure the title as he looks to win his first world title.

"After I grabbed the exchange, the position became tricky," he said.

"I believe it should be winning for White; at least there were some nice chances. 

"But it wasn't clear, and he defended well."

"Everything is connected - time management, quality of moves, calculation of lines," Ding said.

"So, today I spent less time on the calculation, but the quality, as you can see, suffered a lot."

Game 10 will be taking place on April 23 as the FIDE World Championship take a break tomorrow.