California, Aug 22: Paul Hamm became the first ever American to win an all-round title at the World Gymnastics Championships in California. He beat China's Wei Yang into second place, with Hiroyuki Tomita of Japan third. The 20-year-old produced a superb performance on his final apparatus, the high bars, to edge out China's Yang Wei. Hamm's victory helped to ease memories of two years ago when he missed out on a medal after a poor display going into the final rotation. "It's like a dream at the moment, maybe later it will sink in." Hamm said.

China's Yang, who had to be content with silver in the 2000 Olympic Games all-round, was upset to have finished in the runners-up spot once more.
"I'm disappointed for myself. It is second again but it's already done and out of my control," he said.


Bureau Report