Angelina Melnikova celebrates after winning the women's all-around title in Kitakyushu ©Getty Images

Angelina Melnikova of the Russian Gymnastics Federation made the most of American superstar Simone Biles’ absence by capturing the women’s all-around title at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Japan.

Biles has dominated the event since 2013, topping the podium in five of the past six editions of the World Championships.

But with the four-time Olympic champion opting to skip the tournament to perform in "Global Across America" - a gymnastics stage show - Melnikova seized her opportunity.

Melnikova, a bronze medallist at both the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2019 World Championships, was crowned champion at the Kitakyushu General Gymnasium.

The 21-year-old powered into the lead with scores of 14.466 on the vault and 14.533 on the uneven bars before finishing second in both the balance beam and floor exercise to take the title with 56.632.

Leanne Wong was one of two Americans on the podium as she looked to fill the void left by the absent Simone Biles ©Getty Images
Leanne Wong was one of two Americans on the podium as she looked to fill the void left by the absent Simone Biles ©Getty Images

Leanne Wong, an alternate for the US Olympic team, was forced to isolate in Tokyo after her roommate Kara Eaker tested positive for coronavirus.

The 18-year-old bounced back from that disappointment to secure her first world medal as she pushed Melnikova all the way and took silver with 56.340.

She sat in fifth after the vault before finishing third on the uneven bars and topping the standings in both the balance beam and floor exercise.

Kayla DiCello ensured there was another American on the podium as she earned bronze with 54.566, largely thanks to a stunning score of 14.600 on the vault.

Competition is due to continue tomorrow with the men’s all-around final.