31.   Then it rang, alerting Kara Wolters that future paychecks would be forthcoming not just from the solvent WNBA but from the two-time defending league champion Comets.

32.   Their affiliation with the San Jose Sharks transformed the Blades in one season from a doormat to league champions.

33.   These records were set with the bunting hanging from the stands, with two league champions meeting in the World Series.

34.   Other teams, including league champion Real Madrid and runner-up Deportivo de La Coruna, narrowly averted similar punishment as they filed their documents at the last minute.

35.   Peruzzi, of league champion Juventus, pulled a muscle in training at Coverciano Sunday.

36.   Pellegrino is the first Argentine to join the defending league champion this season.

37.   A buoyant Real Madrid takes on struggling league champion FC Barcelona Saturday in the biggest showdown yet this season in the Spanish premier division.

38.   A prosecutor looking into possible use of banned substances in Serie A has obtained medical records of Juventus of Turin players from the league champions.

39.   After gaining back a point on first-place Internazionale last week, the defending Italian league champions once again believe they can win another title.

40.   After gaining back a point on first-place Internazionale, the defending Italian league champions once again believe they can win another title.