41.   And the climactic showdown is laugh-out-loud ludicrous.

42.   And with Senate Democrats unanimously backing the accord, the showdown was between conservative and moderate Republicans.

43.   An Agassi-Sampras quarterfinal showdown is possible.

44.   Another showdown is just days away -- Republicans will select delegates in Michigan on Tuesday.

45.   Any direct showdown will be a lost cause for reformers.

46.   At the wake for Hamad, Islamic Jihad supporters warned that a showdown was inevitable if the government tried to block attacks against Israeli targets.

47.   At the wake, friends and Islamic Jihad supporters warned that a showdown was inevitable if the government tried to block attacks against Israeli targets.

48.   Both acknowledge the showdown will likely be tight.

49.   If Kiriyenko again is rejected, Shokhin noted, a showdown is virtually certain unless Yeltsin names a new candidate.

50.   Indeed, the next potential showdown is just weeks away.