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FTER mixed solitary results at the American Cup the day before, Ukraine's Alexander Beresch and Viktoria Karpenko enjoyed united success with American rhythmic gymnast Jessica Howard to seize the International 3-on-3 event. Beresch's meet-high 9.725 on high bar (Kolman, Kovacs) and Howard's career-high 9.712 for her exquisitely melancholy ball routine offset Karpenko's hands-down triple twist on floor to give the winning trio a .162 edge over USA-1.
"It's more important to compete in team events," said the jovial Beresch of his overnight inspiration. "We're happy to have such an athlete (Howard) join us on our team today!" Beresch added that he saved his best (high bar) for last, having successfully performed on pommel horse in round one. Karpenko said she began the competition on bars since "I feel I do best there."
For 15-year-old Howard, now No. 2 among U.S. rhythmic seniors, the meet was a heaven-sent surprise. "I didn't know until...