WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Veteran skater Mariah Bell claimed her first title at the US Figure Skating Championships on Friday at Nashville, after she tried for the eighth time.
Bell scored 140.70 points to lead the free skate and collected 216.25 to win the title. Karen Chen won 139.30 points in the free skate and won the silver medal with 213.85 points, and Isabeau Levito came third.
Teenage Alysa Liu, a two-time American champion, withdrew from the event after testing positive for COVID-19. Liu ranked third in the women's competition after Thursday's short program behind Bell and Chen.
The 16-year-old Liu's withdrawal comes after pairs duo Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier were forced to withdraw on Wednesday after Frazier tested positive.
In rhythm dance, Madison Chock/Evan Bates took first with 91.94 points, Madison Hubbell/Zachary Donohue placed second with 89.39, while Carolin Green/Michael Parsons were third at 80.85. ■
