31.   The poll also indicates that should Bush pick Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., as his running mate, he would widen his lead.

32.   The Yankees have been adept at ignoring the pending players strike while staying focused on widening their lead over the Orioles.

33.   Tulu made a challenge coming down the backstretch, but Ribeiro answered and powered to the line, widening her lead all the way.

34.   Point Given sure had the right angle in the Belmont stretch as he widened the lead with each powerful stride.

35.   Pinch hitter Rudy Pemberton, formerly of the Boston Red Sox, arched a solo shot into the left stands in the eighth to widen the lead.

36.   A new poll Wednesday indicated Chirac has widened his lead over Balladur, who has been plagued by scandals in his government.

37.   A new poll Wednesday indicated Chirac has widened his lead over the once-frontrunning Balladur, who has been plagued by scandals in his government.

38.   A poll published Friday indicated that Barak is widening his lead.

39.   A poll published Friday indicated that Barak was widening his lead.

40.   After the break, the Philippines pulled further ahead and widened the lead.