11.   As it is, the Russians will likely finish no better than second in Atlanta.

12.   Croatia lost to Australia in the quarterfinals and can finish no better than seventh.

13.   Ebner has finished no better than ninth in the four World Cup giant slalom events this season.

14.   Even if he does that, he needs Plushchenko to finish no better than fourth in the free skate.

15.   For Schumacher to win the championship would have needed to fight his way from the back of the pack and needed Hakkinen to finish no better than third.

16.   For Schumacher to win the championship he needed to fight his way from the back of the pack and needed Hakkinen to finish no better than third.

17.   Isler and Glaser were underdogs, having finished no better than seventh in any previous regatta this year.

18.   Schumacher needed to win in Japan and have Hakkinen finish no better than third.

19.   Schumacher must win the race and needs his Finnish rival Mika Hakkinen to finish no better than third to claim his third championship.

20.   Villeneuve must win and Hill finish no better than seventh at Suzuka for the Canadian rookie to take the championship.