U.S. women's gymnastics collects silver medal

— -- ATHENS, Greece -- The reigning world champs of women's gymnastics were beaten by the defending Olympic gold medalists. Romania won the much anticipated showdown against the United States in the women's team competition by .696 points, giving Romania back-to-back gold medals. "We are more than happy with the silver medal," American Annia Hatch said. "But the girls from Romania are very skilled on the floor exercises. What we have accomplished here is great for American gymnastics." The U.S. had the best overall score in the uneven bars and had a slight edge after two of the four disciplines. But Romania, which was fifth in the uneven bars, posted the top scores in the floor exercise, the vault and the balance beam to lock up the championship. Romania's Catalina Ponsor had a 9.762 in for floor exercise and a 9.750 on the balance beam, while American Carly Patterson scored 37.886 in all four exercises. "I was very proud for both teams, Romania and (the) USA," former Romania and U.S. coach Bela Karolyi said. "They performed in great quality, delighted the world and they saw the light of gymnastics." Russia won the bronze medal, led by veteran two-time gold medalist Svetlana Khorkina, who had an overall score of 38.062. The United States women won the team gymnastics gold in 1996 in Atlanta, but failed to win a medal four years ago in Sydney. The American men also took a silver medal in team gymnastics Monday.