21.   What they all have in common is an urge to be tops in their field.

22.   Ball gowns were applauded, especially a pink strapless model topped in gray tulle.

23.   But Smith may have topped him in the one year since Pitino left to coach the Boston Celtics.

24.   On the other hand, governments in Sierra Leone and the Republic of Congo have been topped in violent coups.

25.   She explained that in the American League, the Yanks are her favorite, while her hometown Cubs are tops in her heart among National League clubs.

26.   The Russians might even top themselves in ice dance.

27.   Up front, Bordeaux striker Pedro Pauleta, top scorer in France last season and voted best player in that country, is certain to start.

28.   Han also is arranging similar phone calls to top officials in China, Japan and Russia, his office said.

29.   Alania arrived having started their League campaign several weeks ago, in which they top the division.

30.   Serge Kats of the Netherlands, second after two races overnight, moved up to top spot in the standard class of the world laser championships here Wednesday.