Sgt. Zakhar Korol Wins Drone Race in 11 Minutes After 2 Rivals Collide
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 12
Sgt. Zakhar Korol Wins Drone Race in 11 Minutes After 2 Rivals Collide
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 12
Summary
Zakhar Korol, 37, claimed a Ukrainian drone race by steering cautiously through the course while two leading drones crashed near the finish.
11 minutes into what was meant to be a five-minute sprint, his still-flying drone reappeared on the big screen after the collision left judges and spectators stunned.
The race unfolded around a children's playground, with tunnels and other obstacles on the course and a crowd watching a live drone-eye feed through barbecue smoke.
Korol's upset victory turned a speed contest into a lesson in endurance, with the slowest surviving run beating faster rivals.