41.   The proxy battle finally came to an end last month when Wachovia shareholders approved the First Union merger.

42.   The recruiting battle for Beard came down to Duke and Louisiana Tech. LSU, she said, was never in the picture.

43.   The real battle comes next week when senators negotiate with the House on the ultimate package.

44.   The simulated battles came at a sensitive time, with U.S. and Taiwanese officials expected to finish their annual round of arms talks next week in Washington.

45.   Those who support girls wrestling say the battle comes down to antiquated values and discrimination.

46.   The renewed battles came as the PUK accused Iranian militiamen of having fought against its forces in previous clashes, saying one Iranian fighter was captured.

47.   The battle comes after three days at sea and the dropping out of leader Francis Joyon after his boat was damaged.

48.   The battle came as Russian and rebel Chechen authorities had been trying to implement a disarmament accord and ceasefire in the tiny Caucasus republic.

49.   The battle came shortly after the rebels killed four policemen in the neighbouring Trincomalee disrtrict and wounded another three Special Task Force commandos in the adjoining Ampara district.

50.   The escalating aviation battle comes despite a cargo agreement reached between Washington and Tokyo last March that was supposed to clear up tensions on both sides.