The 2026 World Youth Drafts Championship ends with the Chinese team winning four gold medals

China News Service, Tai'an, November 8 (Liang Ben, Sun Qian) The 2026 World International Drafts Youth Championship ended in Xintai, Shandong on the evening of November 7. After 9 days of competition, the Chinese team won 4 golds, 6 silvers and 4 bronzes in individual events, a total of 14 medals, and won the second place in the fast chess and blitz chess teams, and the third place in the slow chess team.

This competition attracted 348 young chess players from 15 countries and regions to compete. The event has 10 age groups, divided into three competition units: slow chess, fast chess, and blitz chess, all of which adopt the Fisher timing system.

After the game, Zhan Xiaomi, a double champion of both fast chess and ultra-rapid chess in the GYS group from China, said: "I originally wanted to win three championships, but I didn't win the first slow chess championship and found that my original opponent had become very strong. I usually practice tactical attack chess, which requires in-depth calculations, so fast chess and ultra-rapid chess have more advantages."

"Sports has brought me far more than the skills of playing chess and competition. It has taught me to take into account the overall situation, find solutions to difficult situations, and has also allowed me to make friends from all over the world." Janek Maggi, chairman of the World International Drafts Federation, said at the opening ceremony of the competition that this event held in China left the contestants with memories and friendships that can be cherished for decades.

During the competition, Xintai City launched a series of cultural exchange activities, allowing contestants from all over the world to get closer to Chinese culture and appreciate Qilu customs besides the intense competition. (over)