Scintillating Champion of Champions as Patte and Isaksen take titles

Two-days of stunning modern pentathlon at the Al Shaqab Centre in Doha ensured this edition of Champion of Champions hosted by Qatar Foundation in cooperation with Qatar Olympic Committee will live long in the memory. Saturday saw the women compete with Margaux Isaksen of USA defending her title with panache whilst France’s Christopher Patte claimed his maiden career victory by winning the men’s event on Sunday.

French 23-year-old Christopher Patte capped a sensational day after a quality swim was followed by a perfect ride to start the final event in pole. With an 8-second head start on his nearest rival, he was simply unstoppable in the combined, never relinquishing his lead to claim a well-deserved victory. Winning the morning round robin fence and topping the charts before the ride, the man in form had the best possible platform with which to go on to take victory. Demonstrating both speed and poise, he was overjoyed at the finish, declaring, “I am so happy, to win here is just unbelievable for me. I cannot describe the emotion.” When asked about the facilities, he said, “Absolutely the best I have ever seen. Everything was top class”.

Having started the women’s combined in fourth position, Margaux Isaksen was composed with her shooting and after taking the lead in the penultimate 800m lap, she accelerated and demonstrated her blistering pace to leave her pursuers no chance. The 22-year-old also going home with the 3000 USD winner’s cheque, courtesy of RAM Watches, and telling us, “I came to Qatar very relaxed. There was no pressure on me and that played a big part in my performance. The fantastic facilities, the amazing horses and the morning out ‘dune bashing’ made it so enjoyable.”

One of the great success stories in the men’s was Jose Figueroa of Cuba finishing second. The 22-year-old had qualified after winning the NORCECA Championships in July, and impressed in the ladder fence, winning three bouts before a maximum points in the ride put him third on the combined starting line. His compatriot, the 2010 Youth Olympic Champion Leidis Laura Moya ended her campaign in the women’s event 12th.