Mason took 15 seconds off his personal best in the combined run/shoot event

Steven Mason returned from knee surgery to finish 29th at the men's Modern Pentathlon World Junior Championships.

The 18-year-old also managed to post post a personal best in the combined run/shoot event.

"Some of his fencing was sparkling at times and he ran his fastest time for the combined event," said national development coach Bernie Moss.

Mason's British team-mates Daniel Worrall, Robert Flack and Russell North failed to qualify for the final.

It was Mason's first competition since undergoing knee surgery days after finishing 10th on his senior World Cup debut in March.

The competition in Chinese Taipei was dominated by South Korea, who were only denied a clean sweep of medals by Russia's Serguei Karyakin claiming bronze.

The Korean duo of Jihan Ahn and Jinhwa Jung took gold and silver in the individual event, with Hwonho Jung fourth.

The trio finished first in the team event ahead of Russia and Mexico, with Great Britain 12th.

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