World's top three high-wire walkers to compete in Chongqing

The three top high-wire walkers in the world may perform at Wulong Tiankeng from March 26 to the day of the competition, and visitors are welcome to witness the shows, said Ma Qike, director of the local publicity department said.[Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

An international high-wire walking competition will be held at Wulong World Natural Heritage in southwest China's Chongqing municipality on March 30, in which the world's top three exponents will compete.

Esqer, the initiator of the competition, has invited Freddy Nock from Switzerland and Maurizio Zavatta from Italy to take part, using wires above a Tiankeng, a naturally formed pit.

Performing blindfolded backward walking and the splits, together with steel ring walking with a bottle of water on the head, Esqer is confident in his technique and ability to win the competition.

"I'm now in good form and have been actively preparing for the competition," said Esqer.

The event will be held above Wulong Tiankeng, the core scenic spot of the Wulong Karst World Natural Heritage site in the northeast of Wulong county in Chongqing.

As one of the most popular tourist sites in China, Wulong Tiankeng is known for its fascinating landscape featuring lofty and spectacular steep mountains and topographical terrain as well as a boundless expanse of forest.

Esqer, a representative of the sixth generation of descendants of Dawazi Craft, is the current holder of Guinness World Records both for the 100-meter sprint on wire and walking a 36 degree slope of steel wire.

He said that he expects to improve his record of 38.86 seconds for the 100 m sprint to within 36s in the upcoming competition.

"It's no problem for me to achieve a new world record that I set before with the intensive training, and I'm confident and prepared to win," said Esqer.

While the competition is held in one of the steepest parts of Wulong Scenic Area, the safety of the three competitors is of great concern.

"Safety always comes first while competition comes second", said Huang Daosheng, general manager of Chongqing Wulong Karst Tourism Group, adding that safety ropes would be recommended for the competitors.

Cai Mengxiao contributed to the story.