11.   But nowhere is there more support than here, in Washington, where no one much cared about the Zags before the NCAA tournament began.

12.   By midmonth, when the tournament begins, nearly every venue is sold out, marking the first time soccer will be embraced by the United States.

13.   DiCicco was saying, even before the tournament began last month.

14.   Duval is bracing for another emotional adventure, eager to play a longer and more challenging layout when the tournament begins Thursday.

15.   He had done something that hardly anyone had expected when the tournament began.

16.   He was designated the celebrity figure before this little tournament ever began.

17.   In retrospect, that team seemed doomed long before the tournament began.

18.   It was weak and painful during a practice round at the Stadium Course at Sawgrass that Wednesday, and Norman withdrew Thursday morning before the tournament began.

19.   John Szklinski, the course superintendent, said there was ample time before the tournament began to correct the problem.

20.   Just before this NCAA tournament began, however, Olson talked at length with the Arizona Republic newspaper of a private matter made easier by overwhelming public encouragement.