1.   In Sacramento, a noise contest started in the first game of the series when Mavericks coaches complained to officials about the cowbells clanging behind their bench.

2.   Once the contest starts, the coach mostly stays out of the action.

3.   The American League pennant contest starts Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium.

4.   The pie-eating contest starts as soon as the ravaged turkey is cleared away.

5.   The training contest will start anew as well.

6.   That contest started last year.

7.   The contest started with a three-dart match.

8.   The first Pan Pacific contest will start next month with stronger international sponsorship and media interest than expected, said tournament manager Murray Wright.

9.   The Miss Universe contest started on schedule and there was no immediate comment from organizers.