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Chinese dog handlers take lead in Russia’s Loyal Friend army contest

Nineteen countries are competing in 23 Army Games events, held in Russia and Kazakhstan from July 30 to August 13

© Vitaly Nevar/TASS

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MOSCOW, August 3 /TASS/. Chinese dog handlers are the leaders in the first individual Loyal Friend race, which took place in the Moscow region as part of the International Army Games 2016, the games’ press center said on Wednesday.

"Chinese servicemen and their four-legged friends are leading after the first leg of the Dog-Biathlon race with a maximum score of four points," according to the report received by TASS.

Sixteen military dogs and their trainers from four countries took part in the 50-meter sharpshooting competition and in a three-kilometer race. For each error, the contestant had to go for an extra 100-meter-long penalty lap.

"I am very pleased with our team’s results. Just like at training sessions, all the contestants performed excellently," the head of the Chinese team said.

Four countries are taking part in the first international Loyal Friend contest. China is leading in overall standings. Russia and Kazakhstan came second and third, respectively. The final result of the Loyal Friend competition will be announced on August 10.

Nineteen countries are competing in 23 Army Games events and so far. The Army Games 2016 tournament is being held in Russia and Kazakhstan from July 30 to August 13.

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