World Gymnastics Championships

World Gymnastics Championships

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China's Cheng Fei's first-place finish in the beam event pulled her team ahead of the United States after that event.

Bob Martin/SI

Then it got bad for the U.S.: Former world champion Anastasia Liukin had a near-flawless beam performance until her easy somersault-gone-wrong landing left her with an uncharacteristically low score of 15.175.

Bob Martin/SI

Shawn Johnson's missed a layout on her acro series on the beam, leaving her with a team-low 15.025 in that event.

Bob Martin/SI

Alicia Sacramone managed a team-high 15.600 in the beam event that sent the U.S. spiraling behind the Chinese.

Bob Martin/SI

Let the comeback begin: Shayla Worley nailed a Hindorf, toe-on Tkatchev and a double-front dismount laced-routine to finish first for the U.S. in the uneven bars.

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The team applauds after Shawn Johnson finishes with a team-high 15.375 on the mat.

Bob Martin/SI

Alicia Sacramone (right) didn't need much more of a reason to dance after her 13.275 score on the mat secured the gold for the U.S.

Bob Martin/SI

See you in Beijing: After winning their first world championship on international soil, the U.S.' next chance at a big medal is the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Bob Martin/SI

Watch out: the Chinese (pictured here watching the disastrous floor event) finished less than a full point behind the States, leaving the team in good position to overtake the U.S. next year.