Pang Tao and Jana Schneider Win FISU University Chess Titles

China's Pang Tao won the men's title and Germany's Jana Schneider the women's at the FISU World University Chess Championship 2026 in Liaocheng, China.

The classical chess events at the FISU World University Championship Mind Sports 2026 in Liaocheng, China, have finished, and we have two new university world champions.

In the men's event, Chinese GM Pang Tao won the title with 7 points from 9 games. He won his last game against IM Kamil Dzida to finish half a point clear. Germany's GM Luis Engel, the top seed, drew his final game with IM Wang Shixu and took second place on 6.5 points. Czech IM Stepan Hrbek also scored 6.5 and finished third.

In the women's event, Germany's Jana Schneider kept her lead to the end. She drew her last game with WFM Ewa Barwinska and finished on 7.5 points from 9, a full point ahead of the chasing group. WIM Yan Tianqi, FM Lara Schulze and FM Liwia Jarocka all finished on 6.5 points.

Both events were 9-round Swiss tournaments with a time control of 60 minutes per player plus 30 seconds per move.

When ChessDaily reported on the event yesterday, Engel and Pang were sharing the lead. Pang's strong finish shows how important the last rounds of a Swiss tournament are. Winning your final games, especially against strong opponents, often decides the title.

Schneider's result shows the value of steady play. Once you are in the lead, you do not always need to take big risks. A safe draw in the final round can be enough to win the event.

Congratulations to Pang Tao and Jana Schneider, and to all the students who represented their universities in Liaocheng.