UIPM 2022 Pentathlon World Cup Cairo: Zillekens (GER) and Hernandez (MEX) lead a classy field in Men’s Semi-final

• Eight nations represented by 18 Men who progress to Final
• Hungary’s pedigree shines through with four Final representatives 
• Saturday shaping up to be unmissable with both Finals taking place

With the first silverware of the World Cup season at stake, the stage is truly set for a super Saturday in Cairo after a blistering Men’s Semi-final of the UIPM 2022 Pentathlon World Cup Cairo on Friday. 

In the first Men's Semi-final under Modern Pentathlon’s New Format, which features elimination at every stage, a richly talented field of 18 Men have advanced to a Final that is difficult to predict.

Eight nations and three continents will be represented in Saturday’s decider after Germany’s Christian Zillekens and Mexico’s Emiliano Hernandez led the way in Friday’s penultimate stage. Hungary’s production line of stellar athletes shone through too with four representatives surviving to make the cut.

With the top seven from each of the two Semi-final groups progressing, along with the four next best performers, there was precious little room for error.

In the A group, Hernandez set the pace but France’s Christopher Patte wasn’t far behind. The host nation’s hopes were carried by world No.7 Ahmed Hamed (EGY), who placed third in that group followed by the first Hungarian pairing, Gergely Regos and Richard Bereczki. Hamed isn’t shouldering all of Egypt’s hopes however with Mohamed Elgendy (EGY), younger brother of Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Ahmed, also progressing. 

In the second group, Zillekens (GER) pipped Balazs Szep (HUN) by the narrowest of margins with one of the competition’s top performers, two-time world champion Valentin Belaud (FRA), hot on their tails. Matteo Cicinelli (ITA) ensured Italy’s impressive week in Cairo continued as he also progressed. 

All in all, it sets things up for a fascinating Final tomorrow. With 10 nations represented by the 18 competitors in the Women’s Final, Saturday shapes to be unmissable, not least because both Finals will see all five disciplines take place in a 90-minute showcase.

UIPM President Dr. Klaus Schormann said: “Today, as yesterday, was a great competition day with the high level of the athletes shining through in exciting finishes. For all who were here it was another great opportunity to see the New Format working so well. It is clear the athletes are enjoying it more and more too. I thank them all and all of our dedicated referees and officials too. 

“Tomorrow we will have both Finals and I am 100% sure this will be a great presentation of our sport, the way we want to see it at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024.”

Pentathlon World Cup Cairo continues tomorrow (March 26) when both the Men’s and Women’s Finals before the Mixed Relay on Sunday, March 27. 

Live stream of the Finals will be available on UIPM TV and up-to-date results of all competitions are available at the UIPM website.

The list of qualified athletes for the Men's Final is available here: