Hungary's Bence Bicsak was among the qualifiers in the men's event ©ITU

Germany’s Valentin Wernz qualified fastest in the men's event on the opening day of the International Triathlon Union World Cup in Chengdu.

Wernz, who claimed bronze at the World Cup in Australia in March, won his semi-final in 53min 20sec.

Bence Bicsak, seventh at the World Triathlon Series event in Bermuda last month, topped the standings in the first semi-final.

The Hungarian completed the sprint course – comprising a 750 metre swim, a 20km cycle and a 5km run – in 53:30.

Jason West of the United States progressed to the final by winning the third semi-final heat as he clocked 53:35.

The top nine in each of the three men's heats, plus the athletes with the next three fastest times, reached tomorrow's final.

Germany’s Laura Lindemann was the quickest qualifier across the two women's semi-finals ©Getty Images
Germany’s Laura Lindemann was the quickest qualifier across the two women's semi-finals ©Getty Images

Germany’s Laura Lindemann was the quickest qualifier across the two women's semi-finals as she finished in 58:35.

Lindemann was followed by Russia’s Alexandra Razarenova and Hungary’s Zsófia Kovács, second and third, respectively.

New Zealand’s Sophie Corbridge won the second semi-final, although she was considerably slower than the German.

Corbridge crossed in 1:00:45 to secure her place in the final.

The top 14 athletes in each semi-final qualified and have combined with the two quickest losers to create a 30-strong field in the final.