The third round of the 2016 UIPM World Cup series got up and running in Rome today ©UIPM

Youth world champion Ilke Ozyuksel was the strongest performer as the third round of the 2016 International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM) World Cup Series in Rome began with 85 athletes taking part in the qualifying round for the women's individual final.

The Turk managed a total of 1,067 points to top the standings ahead of Brazil’s Larissa Lellys and Lithuania’s Laura Asadauskaite, who scored 1,057 and 1,055 respectively.

Many of the participants in Italy’s capital are still pursuing qualifying points for this year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, as well as trying to secure a place at the World Cup Final, scheduled to take place in the American cities of Sarasota and Bradenton from May 5 to 8.

Qualifying for the men's individual final is due to place tomorrow before three days of finals.

The women's individual showdown is scheduled for Friday (April 1), followed by the men's individual on Saturday (April 2) and mixed relay on Sunday (April 3).

Turkey's Ilke Ozyuksel was the top qualifier for the women's individual final
Turkey's Ilke Ozyuksel was the top qualifier for the women's individual final ©Getty Images

Starting on Friday, the combined event of each final will be available on live stream at UIPM's new online TV channel here.

The fourth World Cup of the year is due to take place in the Hungarian city of Kecskemét from April 14 to 18.

Italy's Claudia Cesarini won the women's title at the second World Cup in Rio de Janeiro earlier this month.

Cesarini also qualified for the women’s individual final in Rome today.