Biles dominates on first day of U.S. championships

Simone Biles got her bid for a record-extending ninth all-around title at the US championships off to a flying start on Friday, scoring 60.45 points and taking a more than three-point lead after the first night of competition.

Beginning with vault, Biles landed her signature Yurchenko double pike to thrill the fans in Fort Worth, Texas, and was awarded a 15.80 by the judges at the meet, which will help determine the U.S. team for the Paris Olympics.

Biles stuck the landing on the uneven bars, arguably her weakest event, in the second rotation before delivering an aggressive and nearly flawless performance on the beam.

The four-time Olympic gold medalist finished the night with an incredible floor routine that began with a hair-raising triple double, putting her firmly in control heading into Sunday's finale.

Skye Blakely, a teenager, received 15.00 points for debuting her thrilling new vault. She is 3.4 points behind Biles, with Kayla DiCello coming in third at 3.6 points behind the leader.

Biles, 27, is expected in Paris to lead the five-person U.S. team that will be announced at the Olympic trials next month in Minneapolis.

The second and final night of the women's championships is on Sunday.

SportsLigue