Beijing, September 16 - As stage three (swimming) of women's competition of the 2007 Modern Pentathlon World Cup Final got off to a splash at the Yingtung Natatorium, all eyes were on Sheila Taormina (USA) of Heat Four, the world record holder of modern pentathlon swimming.

A relay swimming gold medalist from the Athens Olympics, Taormina made the transition to modern pentathlon after competing in the triathlon at the last two Olympic Games. Today she finished in a time of 2'07''54 and scored 1392 points, the first position in the swimming event.

Heat One saw Chinese swimmer Liu Zhou triggered plenty of cheers from the crowds as she steamed ahead to a lead of more than a body length, to finish in a time of 2'22''28, for 1216 points. Heat Two saw her teammate Xiu Xiu replicate the performance, winning her heat comfortably in 2'15''58 for 1296 points. Heat Three was taken out by Lada Jienbalanova (KAZ) in a time of 2'19''78 for 1244 points.

With some solid times already clocked, the final nine swimmers took their blocks for Heat Four. Amelie Caze (FRA) was also one of the favorites heading into the final heat. Her time of 2'14''07 for 1312 points was faster than the Olympic record-time of 2'14'44 she set in Athens. But the race still belonged to Taormina who led from the start.

Russia's Elen Gretchinikova did not start the swimming and has withdrawn from the competition duo to unknown reasons.

Top 5 results in swimming:

1. Sheila Taormina (USA)
2. Amelie Caze (FRA)
3. Xiu Xiu (CHN)
4. Aya Medant (EGY)
5. Victoria Tereshuk (UKR)

Top 5 standings:

1. Amelie Caze (FRA)
2. Mhairi Spence (GBR)
3. Elen Rublevska (LAT)
4. Aya Medant (EGY)
5. Katherine Livingston (GBR)