81.   Graf moved a step closer to her fifth Lipton title.

82.   Hoping to move a step closer to autonomy in the West Bank, PLO chief Yasser Arafat was scheduled to meet with Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres late Saturday.

83.   Hingis moved one step closer to the only Grand Slam trophy she has not yet won.

84.   In Baltimore, Mike Bordick homered and made a key defensive play as Baltimore beat Milwaukee to moved a step closer to the AL East title.

85.   Israel moved a step closer to a showdown with the Palestinians on Friday, saying it will begin building a new Jewish neighborhood in east Jerusalem next week.

86.   Jennifer Capriati and Serena Williams beat qualifiers in straight sets Saturday and moved a step closer to a possible quarterfinal showdown at the French Open.

87.   Italy moved a step closer Wednesday to directly electing its president, a reform which could strengthen the executive and make the country more governable.

88.   Labonte, meanwhile, moved a step closer to clinching his first Winston Cup championship.

89.   Last week, Virginia moved a step closer to requiring the silent period.

90.   LSU moved a step closer to giving retiring coach Skip Bertman a chance to win one more national title.