21.   And so now the French, losers in three previous World Cup semifinals, get a shot at mighty Brazil, the reigning champion seeking a fifth crown.

22.   And never had the reigning champion died before the next Open.

23.   And with Belichick having assembled the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Jets-Patriots rivalry can only grow in stature, if not in heat.

24.   As a free agent early last year, Joyner was offered more money by the Cincinnati Bengals, but he preferred to join the reigning Super Bowl champions.

25.   As the NASCAR Winston Cup season rumbles toward its midpoint, reigning champion Jeff Gordon is taking on an aura of invincibility.

26.   Better still, he did it by demolishing the reigning American champion of world tennis, Pete Sampras, in straight sets.

27.   Bob Bryan, as the reigning NCAA champion, is getting wild cards in singles draws, but Mike Bryan often must go through qualifying.

28.   A youngster from West Palm Beach is the reigning National Spelling Bee champion.

29.   Affected are Gibbs drivers Cory McClenathan and Cruz Pedregon and Jim Yates, the reigning Pro Stock champion.

30.   Brother Terry Labonte, the reigning Cup champion, was even more succinct when asked about the condition of the racetrack.