The Russian children's chess championship, which was held near the city of Sochi, was interrupted due to the death of 12-year-old participant Polina Kunikova, writes the site "Championship.com".

The girl went for a walk in her free time and saw puppies behind a fence, after which she decided to feed them. But at that moment, Polina was attacked by a guard dog. The dog wounded Polina who died from the consequences of the injuries.

Authorities say the girl climbed over the fence because the door was locked. Then the dog attacked. There were no adults nearby at the time. The child's body was discovered an hour after the tragedy, by a passer-by who came to feed the animals.

The Russian Chess Federation has prematurely suspended the children's championship. The matches will not continue until the end of the investigation and until an explanation is given for the causes of the tragedy.

The young Polina was a multiple champion at the championships for children of her age in the Saratov region. She came to the championship in Sochi with her mother.