The UIPM Under-19 Tetrathlon World Championships began in Portugal ©UIPM

China's Yewen Gu topped women's qualification as the International Modern Pentathlon Union's (UIPM) Under-19 Tetrathlon World Championships began in Caldas Da Rainha.

She scored 1,029 points to head the 35 athletes who will contest the final in Portugal.

Ninety-eight youngsters had bid to qualify for the final in all.

Germany's Esther Donda Fernandez was second-best today with 1,022 points with Egypt's Amira Kandil third on 1,018.

The event is the largest-ever gathering of young pentathletes with 220 teenage athletes gathered in Portugal.

There is extra incentive to perform well this year as the top six men and top six women who have not already qualified will secure places at this year's Buenos Aires 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games.

The competition is the biggest gathering of young pentathletes ©UIPM
The competition is the biggest gathering of young pentathletes ©UIPM

Thirty-six countries are competing in Portugal in all.

UIPM President Dr Klaus Schormann said: "Youth development is a very important pillar for our modern pentathlon movement and this UIPM Under-19 Tetrathlon World Championships gives our best teenage athletes another opportunity to qualify for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires.

"Caldas da Rainha has already organised UIPM's Junior World Championships and other international competitions to a high standard. 

"It is a pleasure to be back in a sport-friendly city with a great host, and this week will be a celebration of Portuguese hospitality and sport."

Swimming is taking place in the Municipal Swimming Pool with fencing in the Badminton High Performance Center and laser-run in the Municipal Sports Complex.