41.   Unbeaten after two wins and a tie, Russia aims to strengthen its hold on top place in Group Five with a win at Cyprus.

42.   Utah has won four of five to strengthen its hold on the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

43.   Whatever it was, Bashar will most likely put the campaign on ice until he strengthens his hold on power.

44.   He will be seeking to use the summit to build his image as a statesman and strengthen his hold on power.

45.   A Socialist-led coalition headed by Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic is expected to win the elections, allowing him to strengthen his hold on power.

46.   As the triumphant pro-Rabbani troops strengthened their hold on their overnight gains, reinforcements arrived from northern Afghanistan.

47.   Palestinian officials have also warned of violent protests if Israel seeks to strengthen its hold on the east.

48.   Projections had shown the Republicans even strengthening their hold on the Senate, taking four previously Democratic-held seats and losing one to the Democrats.

49.   Republicans Tuesday strengthened their hold on the US Senate, taking four previously Democratic-held seats and losing one to the Democrats, according to television projections.