Gulnaz Gubaydullina won her qualifying group in Sofia ©Getty Images

Italy's Irene Prampolini and Russia's Gulnaz Gubaydullina led the two qualification groups in the women's individual events at the European Modern Pentathlon Championships in Sofia today.

Prampolini, a rising junior star, produced solid performances across all the disciplines to finish on 985 points.

She finished narrowly ahead but on the same points total as Katy French, who joined British team-mates Joanna Muir and Olympic silver medallist Samantha Murray in making it through to the final.

Sarolta Kovaks of Hungary progressed in third place in Group A.

Lithuania's defending champion Laura Asadauskaite safely qualified in sixth.

Reigning European and Olympic champion Laura Asadauskaite progressed through to the final ©Getty Images
Reigning European and Olympic champion Laura Asadauskaite progressed through to the final ©Getty Images

Russia's Gubaydullina won the second group of athletes with 981 points.

Katsiaryna Arol of Belarus placed second with 973 points, with Muir third.

It came on the fourth day of the Championships, billed as a final test for top European stars before next month's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. 

Men's qualifying is due to take place tomorrow ahead of finals over the weekend.