American gymnasts Shawn Johnson (C), Nastia Liukin (L) and China's Cheng Fei at the victory ceremony of beam at the Beijing Olympic Games, August 19, 2008. [Photo: Xinhuanet]

Shawn Johnson of the United States claimed the beam title at Olympic gymnastics tourney on Tuesday.

The 16-year-old Olympic debutant took the gold in 16.225 points, followed by her compatriot Nastia Liukin in 16.025. China's Cheng Fei settled for bronze in 15.950 points.

Johnson, the winner with three gold medals in last year's world championships, sailed to her first Olympic gold with smooth tumbling and twists and a solid landing.

Reigning beam world champion Liukin presented a flawless routine but her difficulty value of 6.6 points, 0.4 points lower than Johnson's, earned her only a second place.

China's Li Shanshan, the beam silver medalist in last year's world championships, lost her chance for a medal after she missed her step and almost dropped from the apparatus, following a tumbling combination.

Cheng Fei, a two-time Olympian, got her second bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics.

"I am so proud because it (beam) is my favour apparatus. I gave my heart and soul and I did my best routine today. I worked so long for this, " said Johnson after the competition.