American Hurd wins all-around title at gymnastics worlds

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Morgan Hurd extended the United States' domination in the women's all-around event on Friday night at the world gymnastics championships in Montreal, edging Canadian Elsabeth Black by a single tenth of a point to claim the title, while Russia's Elena Eremina took the bronze.

Since 2007, every major women's all-around title save for one has been taken by an American.

Just 16, Hurd added her name to the ever-increasing list of champions produced by the United States, which includes Shawn Johnson (2007), Anastasia Liukin (2008 Olympics), Bridget Sloan (2009), Jordyn Wieber (2011), Gabrielle Douglas (2012 Olympics) and Simone Biles (2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 Olympics).

Morgan Hurd of the US competes during the 47th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships at Montreal Olympic Stadium. /Reuters Photo‍

Solid from beginning to end, Hurd clinched the title with her final routine on the floor to finish ahead of Black, with whom she was tied at the halfway point of the competition.

Hurd won with a total of 55.232 points, denying home hope Black who took silver with 55.132. Eremina was third with 54.799.

The US had been counting on Ragan Smith, one of the heavy favorites following the qualification round. But her competition Friday ended before it began — an ankle injury sustained while vaulting in the warmup gym deprived the US national champion of the chance to start in the final.

Elsabeth Black of Canada competes on the balance beam during the 47th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. /Reuters Photo

It was a disappointment to the local fans at the 1976 Olympic venue, but Black became the first Canadian gymnast, man or woman, to win an Olympic or world championship all-around medal.

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency