21.   Smoltz is a strong favorite to keep the award in the family this season.

22.   The additions of Policy and Kosar, though, now make Lerner a strong favorite to land the team.

23.   Two will be strong favorites.

24.   With South American rival Argentina and defending champion Germany gone from the field, Brazil has become a strong favorite.

25.   Pete Sampras is a strong favorite for his sixth Wimbledon.

26.   Alberto Tomba, the overall World Cup leader, had been strong favorite to win his tenth straight race, beating his own season record of nine victories.

27.   Although Beijing is the strong favorite, IOC elections can be unpredictable.

28.   Although West Brom has gained promotion, it is a strong favorite with the bookmakers to go straight back down again.

29.   American Lance Armstrong is currently a strong favorite.

30.   As two-time Asian Cup champions, the Saudis are strong favorites to win the continental title for a third time.