Modern pentathlete Chloe Esposito has shone at her debut World Championship, finishing eighth in a world-class field in Rome, Italy.

After winning her group of qualification, Esposito was eager for her first World Championship final. 

Unperturbed by a 27th place in the opening fencing round (736 points), Esposito delivered yet again in the swim, clocking 2:10.92 for the 200m freestyle. It was the fourth-fastest time and added an important 1232 points to her total.

Esposito continued to move up the overall rankings with an impressive fifth place and 1180 points in the riding discipline. From there she completed the run/shoot combined in 11:35.20 to score 2200 points in sixth position.

Esposito's total score of 5368 saw her finish eighth overall. Great Britain's Mhairi Spence took gold, 2009 World Champion from China Qian Chen came in second and another Brit, Samantha Murray held on for bronze.

Triple World Champion Amelie Caze dropped back to fourth despite equalling the fencing World Record earlier in the day and Olympic Champion Lena Schoneborn (GER) recovered from her poor start to the day to move up to fifth.

In attendance of the 52nd Modern Pentathlon World Championships was IOC Vice President Dr Thomas Bach where he stated: “The introduction of laser shooting and the combined event hs made the sport much more dynamic and excited for the entire sporting world. I am very pleased that the athletes have now accepted this new innovation as well."

AOC with UIPM