Sotero scored 1,362 points in the Polish village to finish just 15 in front of her nearest rival, Lithuania's Laura Asadauskaitė-Zadneprovskienė who took gold at London 2012.

The Italian, who finished in eighth at Rio 2016, did most damage in the swimming pool where she produced the third quickest time of 2min and 12.15sec.

She had scored 233 in the fencing after recording 22 victories and 13 defeats earlier in the day.

After a riding score of 61.00, Sotero then completed the laser run in 12:37.86, which saw her finish narrowly in front of Asadauskaitė-Zadneprovskienė.

The Lithuanian set the fastest time in the laser run of 11:56.46.

However, disappointing performances in the swimming and riding cost her dearly as she finished on 1,347.

Ilke Ozyuksel of Turkey completed the top three on 1,341.

She finished second in the laser run in a time of 11:57.53, while the third best score in the riding of 64.00 nudged her into medal contention.

Action in Drzonków is due to continue tomorrow with the men's final. 

The event is the fourth World Cup competition of the season.

It is the final opportunity for athletes to gain points to try and qualify for the World Cup Final in Lithuania's capital Vilnius from June 23 to 25.

The World Cup season began in Los Angeles, before Cairo and Kecskemét staged the second and third events.