Rio 2016 Modern Pentathlon update: Men's Riding

Alexander Lesun (RUS) saw his advantage reduced but he remained in the lead heading into the Men's Combined Event in Modern Pentathlon at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

 

Lesun (RUS) incurred 21 penalty points in Riding for an overall score of 871 that gave fresh hope to the rest of the field. Joseph Choong (GBR) will start 2nd with a 9-second handicap and Amro Elgeziry (EGY) will be a further 10 seconds behind.

 

It could have been worse for Lesun (RUS) as many riders endured far more penalty points and four even suffered a zero score as the riders struggled at times in heavy rain in the Deodoro Stadium. But the two-time world champion looked disappointed when he finished his round, knowing that an incredibly tight Combined Event awaits.

 

Six riders enjoyed a clear round: Riccardo De Luca (ITA), Shohei Iwamoto (JAP), Arthur Lanigan O'Keeffe (IRL), Max Esposito (AUS), Cao Zhongrong (CHN) and Ismael Hernandez Uscanga (MEX).

 

The result is that 16 competitors - almost half of the field - will start the Combined Event within 45 seconds of Lesun (RUS), whose experience will be tested to the limit.