Scoring for the unevens

NEW WAVERLY, Texas -- This isn't presidential politics, but opinions and momentum can change just as quickly.

Jana Bieger, who would need to make a big contribution on the uneven bars if she takes the sixth spot on this team, took a bad fall on a release move. She landed with a thud that might have been felt 60 miles away in Houston and scored a 14.850.

In comparison, Ivana Hong, who also is clawing for the sixth spot, enjoyed one of her best uneven routines. She hit the landing, smiled big and scored 15.300.

Chellsie Memmel, who hurt her neck or upper back during her second tumbling pass on the floor exercise, chose not to compete. Earlier, she opted out of the vault.

Nastia Liukin, who has scored over 17 four times on this routine, seemed slow and less precise than she had been at nationals and trials, and she had a 16.600.

Other scores: Shawn Johnson, 15.650; Chelsea Davis and Bridget Sloan, 15.200; Samantha Peszek, 14.800; Mattie Larson and Corrie Lothrop, 14.700.

-- Diane Pucin

Photo: Jana Bieger competes on the uneven bars during the Olympic Trials in Philadelphia last month. Credit: Stew Milne / US PRESSWIRE