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U.S. gymnastics wins World Championships in record rout

The U.S. women's gymnastics team is missing many of its stars at the World Championships, but that didn't stop it from dominating the team competition. The ladies won their second straight world gold medal in record fashion.

The American women combined for 179.28 points, beating second-place China by 6.693. It was the largest margin of victory in the World Championships or Olympics since the new scoring system was implemented in 2006. Russia took home the bronze.

Simone Biles, Kyla Ross, Alyssa Baumann, Madison Kocian, Ashton Locklear and MyKayla Skinner competed in Nanning, China, while injuries kept many of Team USA's best gymnasts at home. As reported by NBC Sports:

Maggie Nichols, the No. 3 all-arounder behind Biles and Ross at the P&G Championships, dislocated a kneecap. Rachel Gowey, fourth at the Secret Classic behind Biles, Ross and Nichols, broke an ankle. McKayla Maroney had knee surgery in March, and Gabby Douglas pushed back her return to next year. Olympic alternate and 2014 American Cup winner Elizabeth Price retired from elite gymnastics in April.

(AP Photo/Andy Wong)
(AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Ross was the lone member of the "Fierce Five" Olympics gold-winning team to make the trip.

“I am super excited to now be a world champion after the London Olympics,” Ross told USA Gymnastics. “It’s kind of backwards, but kind of cool to say that.”

Earlier this week, the U.S. men won the team bronze. The men's all-around final is slated for Thursday, while the women, including Biles and Ross, will be back in competition on Friday. Biles is looking to be the first woman in over a decade to defend her world title.

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Danielle Elliot is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at delliot@yahoo-inc.com or follow her on Twitter!

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