By 2025, Kong Xiangrui, born in 2009, has become one of the most exciting young talents in Chinese chess. His journey, marked by bold decisions, relentless self-improvement, and standout international achievements, is inspiring a new generation of chess hopefuls.
A Humble Beginning in Qingdao
Kong was introduced to chess in Qingdao, a city known for its deep chess culture. He began formal training at the prestigious Qingwei Chess Club, where his natural talent quickly set him apart. At just 10 years old, he claimed runner-up at the Li Chengzhi Cup, one of China’s most competitive youth tournaments.
But it was what came next that shaped his path most profoundly. Still in elementary school, Kong received an invitation from the Chinese Chess Academy’s Hangzhou Branch, a premier training hub. His father was hesitant at first. But, as Kong recounted:
“My father gave up his job without saying a word and went with me… He let me decide. I thought about it and said yes.”
This defining decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in Hangzhou.
Rapid Growth in Hangzhou
In 2020, with the full support of his father, Kong began rigorous training at the Hangzhou Intellectual Sports School. There, under the mentorship of elite players like Ma Qun and respected youth coach Mou Ke, Kong began to sharpen his technique, discipline, and mental fortitude.
“In Hangzhou, I trained and competed constantly, and found a lot of problems in my play. The coaches taught us how to solve them and, more importantly, how to train even without supervision.”
This environment allowed Kong to grow quickly, not just as a player, but as a student of the game. His study habits were intense. Teammates often joked that while others relaxed during breaks,
“Kong Xiangrui was in the room memorizing chess manuals and analyzing pieces.”
A Mind Built for the Game
What sets Kong apart isn’t just his opening preparation or tactical sharpness, it’s his mentality.
“From the beginning of a game, I focus only on the chessboard. If you think too much about the outcome, it’s useless. You just need to naturally play to your level,” he said during a 2024 interview.
That mental resilience came in handy during high-pressure matches, particularly at the Shanghai Bay Cup 2023 Rookie King Championship, where he won the title in his debut appearance. He repeated a strong showing in 2024, finishing runner-up. These competitions helped him work through nerves and build confidence:
“Last year I was easily nervous at key moments. But I trained my mindset. Winning the Rookie King title made me believe more in myself, and made my father’s sacrifices feel worth it.”
Kong Xiangrui on Chess and Improvement
Kong’s approach reflects a maturity beyond his years:
- On Sacrifice & Motivation: Acknowledging his family’s sacrifice, he stated, “My family has made sacrifices for me, which has motivated me to work harder.”
- On Mentality: He emphasizes focus and acceptance: “From the beginning of the game, I focused on the chess, and threw away other distractions… What a chess player should do is to naturally play to his level. Indeed, there will be some ups and downs… I think good and bad cannot be completely controlled by oneself… What a chess player should do is to naturally play to his level.”
- On Learning from the Best: He recognizes the value of Ding Liren’s involvement: “When I was in Hangzhou before, my idol ‘Brother Ren’ participated in our training, which is very important for us young chess players.”
- On Inspiration: Watching Ding Liren play solidified his style: “He probably has this style too… When I watch his chess, I feel that he can always turn some chess moves that seem to have little chance into winning moves.” This inspires Kong’s own preference for a “stable but tough” approach.
- On Dedication: His commitment is absolute. Teammates note his relentless work ethic: “He must be in the room memorizing chess manuals and analyzing chess pieces!” during breaks. Kong himself stressed daily practice: “Every day, I try to finish my homework as quickly as possible, and then seize the time to set up the chess pieces.”
Climbing the International Ladder
Kong Xiangrui’s growing maturity soon translated into impressive international results:
- August 2023: At the FIDE U16 Olympiad, Kong led China to a team gold medal and claimed individual board gold, a signal of his rising stature on the global stage.
- April 2023: He secured third place at the China regional qualifier for the World Chess Championship, proving he could compete among the nation’s best.
- May 2024: Kong finished fourth in the National Chess Championship (Individual A Group), his highest finish yet at the senior level.
- November 2024: He earned runner-up honors at the 4th “Belt and Road” National Chess Open, one of China’s most internationally recognized tournaments.
His success continued into 2025, where he helped his Hangzhou team finish third at the National Chess Championship (Team).
Inspired by Ding Liren, Aiming Higher
Kong has never hidden who inspires him most:
“My favorite chess player is Ding Liren. He’s ‘Ren Ge’ (Brother Ren) to us. When I was training in Hangzhou, he even came to join us. That meant everything to me.”
Ding’s influence reaches beyond admiration. He represents a path Kong hopes to follow, a homegrown talent who rose to become World Champion.
“Indian chess is thriving under Anand’s system. I think China has the same conditions and potential. If we train hard and get the right chances, we can reach the top too.”
A Role Model for the Future
Though still only a teenager, Kong Xiangrui has already become a role model to younger players. His blend of dedication, humility, and strategic depth is being closely watched by coaches and fans alike.
As one teammate put it:
“He’s quiet, but when he sits down to play, there’s a kind of calm power about him. You can tell he’s doing this not just to win, but to master the game.”
With every tournament, Kong is getting closer to that mastery. And with his sights set on the World Championship, his journey is only just beginning.
I’m Xuan Binh, the founder of Attacking Chess, and the Deputy Head of Communications at the Vietnam Chess Federation (VCF). My chess.com and lichess rating is above 2300, in both blitz and bullet.