BEIJING, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Hungary and Russia have won credentials as favorites for the modern pentathlon men's title while France's Amelie Caze is likely to add an Olympic gold medal to her two world titles at the Beijing Olympics.

Andrey Moiseev won the Olympic men's title in 2004 but it was his compatriot Ilia Frolov that won the world championship in June. Frolov ranks second in the world just behind Viktor Horvath of Hungary.

Horvath was forced to pull out of the world championship this year due to a leg injury incurred in the cross-country section.

Andrejus Zadneprovskis, silver medalist in Athens, is one of the three Lithuanians to attend the 36-man competition on August 21.

Frenchwoman Caze's main rival in gold bidding on August 22 comes from Egypt's Aya Medany, who is just behind the French leader in the world rankings.

Zsuzsanna Voros, the 2004 Olympic gold medalist, is in the Hungarian squad, competing for the sport's traditional powerhouse.

The only sport created solely for the Olympic Games, modern pentathlon is supposed to reflect the ancient Greek ideal of the well-rounded athlete competing in several disciplines.

The ancient pentathlon, which comprised discus throw, javelin, long jump, a stadium-length race and wrestling, was practiced at the Olympic Games in 708 B.C..

Pierre de Coubertin, the father of the modern Games, designed modern pentathlon as an event that would test physical strength, technical ability, concentration and endurance, with athletes competing in shooting, fencing, swimming, riding and cross-country running, all within one day. Enditem