The sport's governing body, the International Modern Pentathlon Union(UIPM), said the health of the athletes and horses were a high priority amid the sweltering conditions in the resort of Acapulco.

The fencing and 200 metres freestyle swimming events had already taken place, before the final was stopped with the show jumping and combined shooting/cross county run to come.

"It is vital to protect the health of both athletes and horses and with the conditions making it impossible to guarantee this, and with the athletes also voicing their concern, we had to end the competition today," said UIPM President Dr Klaus Schormann.

"It is highly unfortunate but we want to guarantee safety for everyone".

Temperatures in the Pacific coast resort have been in the mid 30 degrees Celsius.

Organisers say discussions will be held about how it will manage the rest of the programme, and if and when the women's final can be concluded.

The previous two days of the World Cup meeting have staged the qualifying rounds, with tomorrow due to see the men's final.

The mixed relay had been scheduled for the final day of competition on Sunday (March 2).

Acapulco is also currently hosting the tennis Mexican Open.

The Egyptian capital Cairo will host the next event on the World Cup Series from April 2 until 6.

The final is due to be in Sarasota-Bradenton, United States from June 6 until 8.