The past May Day holiday weekend saw the AWI (Ashley Whippet Invitational) World Championship China qualifying match, otherwise known as the Frisbee Dog World Championship, take place in Shanghai. Nearly 100 competitors and their pets from across the country participated in the two-day event, vying for 350,000 yuan ($50,741) in cash prizes as well as an opportunity to travel to the US for the upcoming AWI World Finals Championship in October.

The AWI World Championship is an annual competition for Frisbee dogs and their handlers. Inaugurated in 1975, the championship is comprised of freestyle and toss-and-catch competitions.

According to the championship's official website, the freestyle round is a timed, free-form competition judged on a 40-point scale using four categories: dog, human, team and overall.

For the toss-and-catch round, competitors are given 60 seconds in which to complete as many throws as possible with one Frisbee. Canine and thrower must both be behind the line before time starts.

With dog Frisbee gaining tremendous popularity among people from all over the world in recent decades, the sport is reportedly attempting to apply to the Olympic Games.

(From top) Disc dogs and their handlers in action during the AWI World Championship China qualifying match in Shanghai

Judges give scores to the participants and their dogs during the competition.

Trophy cups for the AWI World Championship China qualifying match Photos: Yang Hui/GT