Players put their minds to the test in a competition during the 13th RIF World Team Championships held in Xintai, Tai'an. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 13th RIF World Team Championships was successfully held in Xintai, a county-level city of Tai'an, from April 30 to May 5.

Ten teams from seven countries and regions participated in the event, the most teams the history of the competition.

After nine rounds of intense competition of gobang games in five days, Team China swept the championship, runner-up spot, and third place.

Zhao Yan, deputy chief referee of the event, praised the excellent organization of the competition and commended Xintai for providing a high-quality competitive environment for the players.

Hosting such a high-level international event successfully in a county-level city like Xintai reflects the diligence of the government, said Wang Qiang, chairman of the Xintai Chess Association.

Xintai has achieved fruitful results in sports, nurturing numerous outstanding athletes and winning many national sports honors.

Xintai has also been honored with numerous titles, including national advanced county in sports, national advanced unit for public sports and fitness activities, national gymnastics town, and national international checkers town.