JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Angelina Melnikova's return to international gymnastics after a three-year hiatus ended with the Russian in a familiar spot: atop the podium.

The 25-year-old star edged American Leanne Wong for the all-around title at the world championships on Thursday, capping a long climb back to the top after Melnikova and other Russian athletes were barred from competing because of Russia's war with Ukraine.

Melnikova recovered from a fall off the balance beam in the second rotation to post a total of 55.066, just ahead of Wong at 54.966. Zhang Qingying of China used a brilliant beam routine to earn bronze at 54.633. Kaylia Nemour of Algeria was fourth.

The result — Melnikova in first and Wong in second — was a repeat of the 2021 world championships , where Melnikova top

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