# Chinese Chess Championship Kicks Off Round 3 in Xinghua
The 2026 Chinese Individual Chess Championship resumes Sunday in Xinghua with four strong players competing in Round 3 of the 11-round Swiss event. Xu Xiangyu, Bai Jinshi, Li Di, and Dai Changren will battle at 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move, a classical format that rewards preparation and endgame precision.
Round 3 marks a critical juncture. Early results have sorted the field, and the players still undefeated face tough pairings. The format means mistakes punish harshly. There's no time scramble to hide defensive lapses or tactical oversights.
Xu and Bai have emerged as the main threats so far. Both players bring sharp preparation to the board and understand how to convert small advantages into wins. Li and Dai carry the weight of catching up in the standings. One round cannot define a tournament, but it can reset momentum.
The Swiss format means every result shifts the pairing machine. A win Sunday could vault a player into the top group. A loss drops you into the chasing pack. This round separates contenders from pretenders fast.
Lichess broadcasts the action live starting at 6:15 AM UTC. The chess world will watch closely. The Chinese championship always produces clean, decisive games at this level.