11.   Nonetheless, the Blazers appear to be maturing at a pace that makes them real contenders.

12.   Regarded as a real contender at one time this season, their inexperience eventually showed.

13.   They are a young, signed-up team that could take advantage of a shortened season and become a real contender.

14.   We had our problems, but we were one or two big guys away from being a real contender.

15.   While a general election victory still looks like a long shot for Morales, Democrats on Tuesday said he is a real contender.

16.   With a little less harsh editing and a more fluid story, the movie could have been a real contender.

17.   Germany sprint and long jump star Heike Drechsler, considered a real contender for gold here, had to pull out before the start of the Games with injury.

18.   Breuer, however, is a real contender for a medal here.

19.   European silver medallist Florian Schwarthoff of Germany, a real contender for a medal here, had fallen in the semi-final.

20.   The reigning champions sealed their place in the semi-finals thanks to a polished performance that showed they are real contenders for the trophy.