Andrey Moiseev of Russia gestures to a team mate during the fencing event of the men's modern pentathlon competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, August 21, 2008.[Agencies]

Andrei Moiseev of Russia successfully defended the modern pentathlon title and became the second athlete to win  back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the sport here on Thursday.

The feat of successive Olympic title was only achieved by Sweden's Lars  Hall in 1952 and 1956.

Moiseev scored 5,632 points, overtaking the previous highest of 5,566 total achieved since the current scoring system was introduced in 1956.

Edvinas Krungolcas of Lithuania was second in 5,548 points, while his teammate Andrejus Zadneprovskis was third 24 points further adrift.