Andrey Moiseev takes back-to-back title of modern pentathlon

Andrey Moiseev of Russia celebrates after winning the gold medal of the men's modern pentathlon of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008.

Andrei Moiseev of Russia successfully defended the modern pentathlon title and became the second athlete to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the sport here on Thursday.

The feat of successive Olympic titles was only achieved by Sweden's Lars Hall in 1952 and 1956 before the Beijing Games.

Moiseev scored 5,632 points, overtaking the previous highest of 5,566 total achieved since the current scoring system was introduced in 1956.

"I knew I performed very well, but I did not think I would get the gold medal before the Olympics started. The crowd and the atmosphere in Beijing was amazing," said the 29-year-old Russian.

Edvinas Krungolcas of Lithuania was second in 5,548 points, while his teammate Andrejus Zadneprovskis was third 24 points further adrift.

"Shooting is not my favourite, but I tried with every shot. (A score of) 182 is good," said Zadneprovskis.

"In the fencing, I lost nine out of 10, but everything here is (about the horse) riding.

"Running is my favourite. It has always been like this," said the bronze medallist, who upgraded the sixth place to third from running.

Moiseev, 29, who stands a towering 1.95m, won the European championships this year and has been in fine form in recent months.