Romanian grand chess master Liviu Dieter Nisipeanu advanced to the 3rd round of World Chess Championships, in Hanti Mansisk, Russia, after beating Chinese Zhao Jun 2.5 - 1.5 in the two play-off fast matches.

In the 3rd round due on Friday and on Saturday, Nisipeanu is to play vs. top-seed Ukrainian Vassily Ivanchuk, who recently won the blitz chess championships in Moscow. Up to the semifinals, the contestants have to play two matches and in case of equal scores they have to play additional blitz chess games. ROMPRES