Samantha Murray clinches World Cup gold in Florida

Murray won the season opener, with fellow Brit Kate French in third

Britain's world champion Samantha Murray began her season in style by claiming gold at the Sarasota Modern Pentathlon World Cup in Florida.

The 25-year-old, who won Olympic silver at London 2012, was taking part in her first competition since securing the world title in September last year.

Murray sealed victory by finishing ahead of USA's Margaux Isaksen in the run-shoot combined event.

Britain's Kate French was third in the season-opening World Cup event.

"The thing with pentathlon is that you should be really happy when you make the podium because with five diverse events you never know what's going to happen," said Murray.

"I'm just really grateful for every time I stand on a podium because I see that as a massive achievement."

Murray went on to triumph after leading the combined standings following the fencing, swimming and showjumping phases.

"I am really proud of myself because in the semi-final I was really shaky and felt like I wasn't in the right place mentally to do a competition, but I took the time yesterday to think about everything and try and find that feeling I had at the World Championships and bring it to the World Cup," she said.