Asadauskaite, who finished on 1,364 points, fought back from a 31-second deficit to claim a thrilling triumph thanks to an excellent performance in the combined running and shooting event, while America's Margaux Isaksen had to settle for her second consecutive World Cup silver medal.

It proved to be another strong day for the Britons as Freyja Prentice sealed bronze to maintain her country's excellent start to the World Cup series after they won two golds in as many days at the last event in Sarasota, United States, last month.

But the day once again belonged to the imperious Lithuanian, who demonstrated composure under pressure, reminding her competitors why she won the gold medal at London 2012. 

"This was a very good day, a very good competition, and I am very happy," the 31-year-old from Vilnius said.

"It was a very good fight between all athletes, especially at the last shooting."

Lithuania's Laura Asadauskaite came from behind in the combined running shooting event to overhaul America's Margaux Isaksen and claim her first World Cup victory of the season ©UIPM



Isaksen started the day in ominous fashion as she dominated the fencing stage of the competition and she led after the bonus round, although the early signs of an Asadauskaite comeback were there as she won five bouts to keep the pressure on the American.

Frenchwoman Elodie Clouvel was the quickest in the pool with a time of 2min 08.99sec, which saw her move up to third place behind Isaksen and compatriot Marie Oteiza.

Asadauskaite and Isaksen were among eight riders to obtain maximum points from the equestrian stage, which set up a dramatic finale and the Lithuanian was the beneficiary of a dramatic late twist, overtaking her American rival to claim her first gold of the World Cup season so far.

The result meant more disappointment for Isaksen, clearly emotional at the end of the race as her tally 1,339 was not enough for gold.

"Laura is a really incredible athlete, obviously - she won the Olympics," the 23-year-old said.

"So I knew she was closing in, and at the last shot my nerves just got the better of me.

"I really freaked out."

The event in Cairo continues tomorrow with the men's individual competition.

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