1.   Boxing reduced the number of competitors, forcing some winners at the U.S. trials to clinch their spots in subsequent regional qualifying.

2.   A goal with three seconds left powered Croatia past Russia, clinching a spot in the medal round and Switzerland beat the winless Americans.

3.   A win would clinch a spot in the quarterfinals.

4.   Both teams clinched a spot in the championship game with victories Thursday.

5.   But they finished strong, winning three straight games to clinch a spot in the playoffs.

6.   Canada already has clinched a spot in Group II and Mexico has clinched a spot in Group III.

7.   Clutching the U.S. Open trophy, Stewart felt the additional satisfaction of officially having clinched a spot on the Ryder Cup team.

8.   He moved to third on the Ryder Cup points list, clinching a spot on the team.

9.   If Sampras does the expected and wins, the United States will clinch a spot in the final and play host to Russia.

10.   Once the Mets clinched a spot in the World Series before the Yankees, the pressure in an already tense atmosphere increased on the Yankees.