HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Simone Biles grabbed the early lead in the U.S. women's gymnastics championships.

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The 16-year-old from Texas put together an all-around score of 60.500 on Thursday in the opening round, well ahead of returning Olympic gold medalist Kyla Ross.

Ross, who helped the U.S. women win the team gold in London last summer, is second after posting a total of 59.750.

Brenna Dowell is third, followed by Peyton Ernst and Maggie Nichols.

McKayla Maroney, who won two medals in London, posted the highest score on vault in her first major competition since undergoing a series of leg surgeries last fall. Maroney averaged 15.5 on her two vaults, edging Biles by a tenth of a point.

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