1.   And sales figures from the first quarter of the new year indicate that Sony may be lengthening its lead.

2.   Since then, Reuters has lengthened its lead.

3.   The latest numbers show Northern California lengthening its lead as the epicenter of venture-capital investing.

4.   Despite faltering down the stretch, Ernie Els rode the strength of four early birdies on Saturday to establish another tournament record and lengthen his lead in The International.