The 2026 World Youth Transnational Championships were held in Hefei, China, from August 3-8, 2026. Over 40 USBF Juniors participated, many in pairs and teams with players from other countries. US players earned 2 Gold and 2 Silver medals in A Finals, and many others had high finishes.

U26 Teams

In the U26 Teams, Jackson Zhou earned a gold medal and Brian Zhang earned a silver. Both of them were playing on teams with players from other countries, Jackson with 2 players from Denmark, 2 players from Israel, and one player from Netherlands; Brian with 3 Chinese players. Michael Xu also made the A Final, playing with 3 New Zealand players.

U26 Medal Stand, photo by Francesca Canali

U26 Pairs

Brian Zhang improved his medal position to Gold in the Pairs, playing with Baozhuo Jiang from China.
 
Baozhuo Jiang and Brian Zhang, photo by Qiang Zhang 

Rory Xiao won the U26 B Final playing with Canadian Olivia Laufer

U21 Teams

Although no US players medaled, Andrew & Charlie Chen made the A Final

U21 Pairs

Jeff Xiao earned a Silver medal, playing with Yuxuan Liu from China
Arthur Gong and Jason Yao finished 4th, only 0.28% behind 3rd, and Andrew & Charlie Chen finished 8th.

Jeff Xiao & Yuxuan Liu, photo by Qiang Zhang

Joan Gerard Sportsmanship Award

In addition to his two medals for performance, Brian Zhang won the Joan Gerard Sportsmanship Award for U26 players. Players nominate their peers for the award, but may not nominate a player from their own country. The award recipients are decided based on aptitude, fair play, good sportsmanship and a friendly international spirit, rejecting any discrimination.

Brian with the Sportsmanship Award, photo by his proud father Qiang Zhang 

Congratulations to all of the players in Hefei!