2012 Modern Pentathlon World Cup Series Finale about to begin

The last big event before the 2012 London Olympic Games, the World Cup Final is being held this weekend 26-27 May 2012 in Chengdu, China.

Athletes have travelled to USA, Brazil, Hungary, and Russia to gain enough valuable World Cup Series points to be one of the 36 athletes who have the honour to line up in Chengdu, China at the world famous Pierre de Coubertin Modern Pentathlon Centre which was custom built for the 2010 Modern Pentathlon World Championships.

The World Cup Final takes on additional significance this year as it is the last opportunity for athletes to gain world ranking points needed to gain qualification for the Modern Pentathlon event (11-13 August 2012) at the London Olympic Games, so nerves will be at an all-time high.

UIPM Secretary General Joël Bouzou: "UIPM always loves coming to China to the impressive Pierre de Coubertin Modern Pentathlon Centre, which is the best Modern Pentathlon stadium in the world. This is a fitting venue as the last international competition before the Olympic Games and the last chance for our athletes to qualify for the Games which is a celebration of Modern Pentathlon's 100 years in the Olympic programme"

With all Russia's domination in the World Championships in the past few years (Champions include: Ilia Frolov - 2008, Serguei Karyakin - 2010, Andrei Moiseev - 2011 and Aleksander Lesun - 2012) it is a surprise that they have not won a World Cup Final gold since 2003. Whilst all the Russians are in sparking form, this gold less streak is likely to come to an end come Sunday afternoon in China.

Ondrej Polivka (CZE), Sam Weale (GBR) and Deniss Cerkovskis (LAT) who is chasing his 4th Olympic berth all face do or die situations in Chengdu. They desperately need a top 10 finish to ensure they have enough points to qualify for London.

With the powerhouses of Olympic Champion Lena Schoneborn (GER), triple World Champion Amelie Caze (FRA) and current World Champion Mhairi Spence (GBR) all not making the trip to China it gives other athletes a chance to grab to prestigious World Cup Final Champion crown.

Yane Marques (BRA) and Laura Asadauskaite (LTU) will now be the favourites as they have put in solid performances been in solid form all year. The Brazilian and Lithuanian have both come so close to winning a World Cup Final gold in the past (Marques 2009 and Asdauskaite 2011), so they will have the confidence to go that one step further this year to gather momentum for a gold medal charge later in the year in London.

The patriotic Chinese crowd will be out in force to urge on their strong Chinese team to an historic home gold. They will be led by veteran Zhongrong Cao, who despite his disappointing 2012, still has all the skills to challenge for a medal he craves in front of his family and friends. 'Uncle Cao' will be joined by the talented Guan Wang (CHN) who has already secured his birth for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Fans around the world will have the chance to watch these, and other great athletes and share in the excitement of Modern Pentathlon by UIPM will broadcasting the entire event live on Pentathlon TV @ pentathlon.org on 26-27 May 2012.

Competition Schedule:

26 May Women's Individual Final

27 May Men's Individual Final

For further information, please contact: UIPM Communications Manager Matt Pound

E: communications@pentathlon.org T : +377 9777 8555 M: +33 623 912 129 or visit our website at pentathlon.org

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