GREENSBORO, N.C., Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Ryan Bradley edged two-time defending champion Jeremy Abbott Friday to take the lead after the short program at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
Bradley received a score of 80.39, two points more than Abbott, at Greensboro, N.C.
Abbott is trying to become the first skater to win the national title three times in a row since Johnny Weir did so beginning in 2006. Bradley was runner-up at the national championships in 2007.
Brandon Mroz, silver medalist two years ago, finished third in the short program with a 71.61 total. Keegan Messing was fourth at 69.79.
Abbott recorded the highest free skate score by a men's champion at last year's event, giving him the title over Evan Lysacek and Weir. Abbott then struggled in his short program at the Vancouver Olympics and finished ninth, with Lysacek getting the gold medal and Weir finishing sixth.
Lysacek and Weir are not competing this week.
