With the Russian player, operating under a neutral banner, leading 6-5, the pressure is on his Chinese challenger for the title vacated by five-time winner Magnus Carlsen of Norway to produce another victory.

After a series of dramatic games, the eleventh one was relatively sedate and uneventful, ending in a draw after 39 moves and just after an hour and 40 minutes of play.

Nepomniachtchi, who had the advantage of playing with the white pieces today, had the opportunity to put extra pressure on Liren after the latter played a questionable 15th move.

But the Russian, who lost the 2021 Championship to Carlsen before winning the next Candidates tournament in record fashion, chose not to take up that opportunity, going for a safer and more conservation option.

The players have a rest day tomorrow, with Game 12 taking place on Wednesday.

Asked about his confidence level about winning the match following the previous day's draw Ding responded: "We still have more games left.

"I wouldn’t say how much confidence I have."

However much that was, it will be a little bit smaller today.