But she bombed in the short program and was only slightly better in the free skate, finishing ninth overall.

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The three-time champion finished with 84.10 points, and was three points ahead of Ross Miner going into Sunday's free skate.

NPR: Playing It Safe, Abbott Leads At US Championships

Practices and scrimmages were open to the public for free and fans flocked to arenas in some cities such as Philadelphia, where 15, 000 fans watched the Flyers skate.

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