By Mike Rowbottom

Chris_Weale_show_jumping_July_2011September 9 - Britain's Sam Weale, who made a despondent exit from the European Championships in July, claiming technological problems with the laser shooting were turning the sport into a "lottery", has responded in ideal fashion by qualifying for Sunday's World Championships final in Moscow.


Weale, who finished seventh in the second semi-final, will be joined by team-mate Jamie Cooke, who won the first semi-final, although there was disappointment for Nick Woodbridge and Rob Flack, who failed to progress.

Weale exclusively told insidethegames that he felt changes had to be made to the laser system, which he claimed malfunctioned for him and several others at Medway, adding: "It can't go on.

"It is embarrassing.

"This is athletes' careers and lives at stake, with Olympic futures in jeopardy."

On this occasion, however, Weale was able to produce a solid performance in semi-final B, finishing 10th in the fencing, eighth in the swimming and 13th in the combined event.

Jan Bartu, Pentathlon GB performance director, praised Weale's progress.

"It was probably one of the most important competitions of the year for Sam after his experience in Medway, when it looked like there was a gremlin in his target," Bartu said.

"He went into the combined event in the top 10 and he looked focused and calm."

Cooke, who achieved the London 2012 Olympic qualification standard at the European Championships, said: "It was tough, but it's the senior World Championships, so it's going to be.

"I just wanted to build on my European performance and get as much experience as I can."

Bartu added: "It was a mixed day for us.

"It was 50-50 for the men and we're looking forward to the final, where Jamie and Sam will be able to play an important role, as they showed in the semi-finals.

"I'm delighted for Jamie. He was under some pressure after his success in Medway.

Expectations have been growing for him, but he handled it well."

Woodbridge produced the best swim of the semi-final and arrived at the concluding run/shoot in seventh place, but he fell down the field and finished 18th, with Flack coming 30th in his semi.

Four Britons - Katy Burke, Heather Fell, Freyja Prentice and Mhairi Spence - are due to compete in the women's final  tomorrow.

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July 2011: Exclusive  - Laser shooting problems have turned modern pentathlon into a lottery, claims Weale
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July 2010:·Weale wins historic European Championships silver medal