The competition, which also serves as a test event for August's Olympics in the Brazilian city, is the second on the World Cup calendar and has attracted the majority of the world's leading pentathletes.

Women's individual qualifying inaugurated the Deodoro Park venue yesterday with the men battling it out for final places today.

Many of those competing are still trying to earn qualification points to secure their spaces in Rio, as well as at the World Cup final in Sarasota/Bradenton in the United States in May.

Alongside Czech Svoboda, London 2012 bronze medallist Ádám Marosi of Hungary is among those to have qualified.

Italian Riccardo De Luca led the field, with his compatriot Pierpaolo Petroni third.

Second place went to Hungarian Robert Kasza.

The women's individual final also began with the fencing round, 24 hours ahead of the rest of their event after organisers decided to mirror the timetable that will be used at the Olympics.

It is hoped that reserving the bonus round fencing for the final day will lead to a more exciting spectacle for fans.

Tomorrow the fencing will also kick off the men's final, before the women's final resumes with the remaining swimming, riding, running and shooting, as well as the bonus round fencing.

The men will conclude their final on Sunday (March 14) before the mixed relay on Monday (March 15).