21.   Cubas downplayed reports that Hernandez may be too old to pitch in the major leagues.

22.   Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai, however, downplayed the reports.

23.   He downplayed reports that Kovalchuk sometimes plays selfishly as did the player.

24.   He downplayed reports about widespread price increases, saying retail competition would force as many people to round down as round up.

25.   Harvard downplayed reports that the police force was understaffed with the opening ceremonies only a week away.

26.   Iida downplayed the reports, saying participants would focus on other business at the meeting.

27.   In an interview published by Jornal dos Sports on Saturday, Zagallo downplayed reports that a fifth World Cup victory is imminent for Brazil.

28.   Karzai downplayed recent reports of fighting between warlords in regions of Afghanistan.

29.   Kilgour, however, downplayed reports that Canada was preparing to retaliate against Indonesia over the bankruptcy ruling.

30.   Lula downplayed the reports.