0606 GMT - Li Ning's 3Q retail sales excluding its youth athletic brand likely declined by a low-single-digit percentage on year, say Citi analysts in a note. That is likely due to unfavorable weather in July and August and a generally weak retail environment in China, they add. Still, Nike's likely massive inventory take-back in China could alleviate some concerns around industry-wide discounting, they say. Chinese sportswear brands are likely to gain market share from Nike from 2027, the analysts add. Citi expects Li Ning to maintain its 2026 guidance and prefers Anta Sports Products in the Chinese sportswear sector. It maintains a buy rating and a target price of 18.10 Hong Kong dollars on Li Ning. Shares fall 0.9% to HK$12.29.