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Lithuanian pentathlete pips strong field to take gold, Italy’s Sotero wins silver; bronze for France’s Clouvel
Vinay Nayudu
Doha
Lina Batuleviciute of Lithuania carried on with her recent super form to emerge on top in the UIPM Modern Pentathlon Champion of Champions (COC) competition in Doha on Saturday.
The 28-year-old, who was also the champion at the CISM World Championships in Drzonkow, Poland, last month, continued to excel despite a strong challenge from 17 world-ranked contenders in the fourth edition of COC in Qatar.
Beginning with a fiery start in fencing, Lina had a reasonable yet swift swim before she came back strong in the riding session and rounded off with a good combined effort in shooting and running (Laser-Run) to amass a total of 1273 points to fetch the gold medal.
Lina stood 7 points ahead of Italian Alice Sotero (1266pts), who settled for the silver, and was 12 points adrift of challenger and Rio Olympics silver medalist Frenchwoman Elodie Clouvel, who took the bronze.
A delighted Lina couldn't contain her delight on being crowned the Champion of Champions in the women's competition."This is the second title of my career (in modern pentathlon) and I am so happy since the competition was very strong," she said.
"I began well with fencing finishing first, but I found the swim difficult and my position slipped. Thanks to my horse, I excelled in show jumping and in the end the Laser-Run was good enough for me to win here.
"Doha's been special for me. I've been in this competition for the last ten years and this is my second gold, the first here and I am really delighted," added the winner.
Italy's Alice, who took part in modern pentathlon at the 2016 Olympics, wasn't far behind but had to settle for the silver, thanks to her good show in the combined Laser-Run event."I guess, I missed the gold because my shooting didn't go well. I was happy with my fencing but there are a few areas which I need to work on. This was my second time here in Qatar and my first podium finish. It's been very nice.
"This was the first competition of the season after I went on holidays in September. I will now go back home for another competition and then get ready for the world championships," added the 26-year-old.
Bronze medalist Elodie had arrived into the competition after topping the team-relay mix event at the CISM World Championships in Drzonkow and was met with a big challenge. She, however, lived up to her own expectations and said was happy to have claimed the third place.
"I'm happy because I've haven't had good training prior to this event. It was only running and half training. I just concentrated hard and tried to stay focused and I'm pleased with this result, said the 28-year-old Olympian.
"I had very good swimming and fencing events, even show jumping went well but my combined effort in shooting second round and running wasn't as I would have expected. I am still happy and I would like to come back next year and take the top spot," she said.
Elodie was also full of praise for the venues of the Doha competition Qatar Foundation Recreation Center and the Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre."It's a very nice place, incredible installations and it has just been amazing to be in Doha," she said.
The men's competition of UIPM Champions of Champions will be staged on Sunday.
Results
UIPM Champion of Champions, Doha. Women’s Competition:
1. Lina Batuleviciute (Lithuania): Fencing (250pts), swimming (244), riding (300), laser-run (479). Total Pts: 1273
2. Alice Sotero (Italy): Fencing (215), swimming (282), riding (298), laser-run (471). Total: 1266
3. Elodie Clouvel (France): Fencing (236), swimming (283), riding (291), laser-run (451). Total: 1261
4. Shino Yamanaka (Japan): Fencing (173), swimming (254), riding (284), laser-run (530). Total: 1241
