Bross tops senior women’s all-around rankings after day one of 2009 Visa Championships

DALLAS, Texas, Aug. 13, 2009 – Rebecca Bross of Plano, Texas, finished the first day atop the senior all-around rankings with a score of 58.550 at the 2009 Visa Championships at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The final day of senior women’s competition is Saturday, Aug. 15, at 6:30 p.m. The men’s competition wraps up on Friday, Aug. 14, and competition in rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatic gymnastics and trampoline and tumbling continues through Saturday.

“I had a little mishap on beam, but I’m proud of what I did today,” said Bross, who trains at the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy. “I’m just going to try to be better on Saturday. I really like competing here because all of my friends get to watch.”

Bross performed a double twisting Yurchenko vault for a score of 14.450. She earned the evening’s highest score on the uneven bars, where she posted a 15.050. Bross’ balance beam routine that included a standing Arabian garnered a 14.700, and she wrapped up the night with a 14.350 on floor exercise.

Ivana Hong of Lovejoy, Texas/WOGA, finished second with an all-around score of 58.200. Hong had the top score for the balance beam with a 15.150.  She tied for third on both vault (14.700) and floor exercise (14.300), which included a piked full-in mount.

2008 Olympic team silver-medalist Bridget Sloan of Pittsboro, Ind./Sharp's Gymnastics, rounded out the top three in the all-around with a score of 57.700, including tying the top vault score of 14.900 for her double twisting Yurchenko.  She was third on bars (14.550) and tied for third on floor (14.300).  Kytra Hunter of Frederick, Md./Hill’s Gymnastics, tied Sloan on vault, as well as posted the top floor exercise score of 14.400, and finished fourth in the all-around (56.550).  MacKenzie Caquatto of Naperville, Ill./Naperville Gymnastics, rounded out the top five in the all-around at 56.000.

2008 silver-medalist Samantha Peszek of Indianapolis, Ind./Sharp’s Gymnastics, competed on three apparatus.  She was second on the balance beam with a 15.000, and she earned a 14.200 for her new floor routine. Chellsie Memmel of West Allis, Wis./M&M Gymnastics, who also was a member of the 2008 Olympic silver-medal team, returned to competition and performed on beam.

2008 Olympic all-around champion Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas/WOGA, competed for only the second time this season, earning a 14.450 on balance beam. Liukin and 2004 Olympic all-around champion Carly Patterson, a former WOGA gymnast, were recognized at the conclusion of the evening.

“It was very nerve-wracking, but I loved being back up there,” said Liukin, who is just returning to competition after nearly a year filled with appearances, awards and travel. “I was so shaky on beam, but I think that I got some of those butterflies out. I’m hoping to be a little calmer on Saturday and under control.”

The women’s U.S. senior champion will be determined by the combined scores from today and Saturday, Aug. 15.

For complete schedules and results, go to www.usa-gymnastics.org.

Tickets for the event are still available, and may be purchased by phone at 800-745-3000; online atwww.ticketmaster.com; at all Ticketmaster outlets; or at the American Airlines Center Ticket Office. In recognition of Visa’s longstanding support of USA Gymnastics, the 2009 Visa Championships proudly accepts only Visa cards.

 

About American Airlines Center

Both men’s and women’s gymnastics will have two days of competition at American Airlines Center, which has hosted the post-Olympic tour for gymnastics. Anchoring the 72-acre Victory Park development, American Airlines Center serves as the backdrop to Dallas' most vibrant urban gathering space. In addition to being home to the Dallas Stars and Dallas Mavericks, American Airlines Center has hosted several prominent events, including the 2007 NHL All-Star Game, NBA Finals, Big 12 Championships and the 2003 USFSA National Figure Skating Championships.

 

About USA Gymnastics

Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States.  Its mission is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in the sport.  Its disciplines include men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, and acrobatic gymnastics.  For more complete information, log on to www.usa-gymnastics.org.