The Soviet Union powered to the top...

The Soviet Union powered to the top of the men’s team standings in the World Gymnastics Championships at Montreal, and new team leader Vladimir Artemov took over the individual lead after one round of competition, the compulsory exercises.

The Soviets, who boycotted the 1984 Olympics, rolled up 293.15 points, with Artemov scoring a 59.10 of a possible 60.00.

Sylvio Kroll was just behind Artemov with 59.05 points, leading the East Germans to second place with 290.70 points.

The Soviets are competing without 1983 world all-around champion Dimitri Bilozerchev, who broke a leg in a recent auto accident. Yet, three of the top four individuals, after the required exercises on the floor, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars and high bar were Soviets.

After Wednesday night’s team compulsories, the 35 men with the best individual scores advance to the all-around finals on Friday. Those with the best eight scores on each apparatus will be eligible Sunday to win a world championship in their specialties.

The Chinese were knocked from first to fourth--behind Japan--after the evening round of compulsories, and the American team, winners of the gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games, fell from third to eighth after a dismal outing. The top American, Tim Daggett, was 15th in the all-around standings.