61.   She has one more tournament scheduled before beginning defense of her U.S. Open title later this month.

62.   Sweden on Friday begins the defense of its gold medal against the United States in the first Olympic tournament stocked predominantly with NHL players.

63.   The defending champion United States begins defense of its title Tuesday in a Group C game against China at Gavle, central Sweden.

64.   The defending champion United States begins defense of its title Tuesday in a Group C match against China in Gavle, central Sweden.

65.   The impressive victory came less than a month before Australia begins its defense of the World Cup in South Africa.

66.   The mayor, who has pleaded innocent to the charges of corruption and embezzlement, was to begin his defense Saturday.

67.   The top seed, Pete Sampras, begins the defense of his Italian title Tuesday in a match against Fabrice Santoro.

68.   The second-seeded Davenport will begin the defense of her title Wednesday night against Elena Dementieva.

69.   The victory reinforced his credentials as a favorite when he begins defense of his French Open title next week.

70.   Title holders Leeward Islands will begin the defense of their Red Stripe Bowl cricket crown in Kingston, Jamaica on Tuesday with a match against newcomers the United States.