Abbott wins first U.S. title

CLEVELAND – Jeremy Abbott followed up one big title with another.

Abbott won his first title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Sunday, a month after taking the gold at the Grand Prix final. Not only does he end the five-year stranglehold Evan Lysacek and Johnny Weir had on U.S. men’s skating, his name has to be mentioned along with Brian Joubert and the Japanese as serious medal contenders at the world championships in Los Angeles in March.

Abbott finished with 241.89 points, more than 13 points ahead of training mate Brandon Mroz. Lysacek was third, failing to win a third straight title. But the real disappointment was Weir, who was fifth after two dismal performances and could miss worlds for the first time since 2003.