1.   He had already considered returning to London in the closing stages of the war, but had thought better of it.

2.   Mark Bright had two excellent chances to steal it in the closing stages but a draw was perhaps fair.

3.   The rider from the Netherlands is still in the lead as the Tour de France enters its closing stage today.

4.   The UN was set up during the closing stages of World War II.

5.   He entered RAF service in the closing stages of the war.

6.   In the closing stages McVie and substitute Paul Gaston had chances for a consolation strike.

7.   Then a slow pit stop let Damon through, and despite heavy pressure from Michael Schumacher in the closing stages, Damon took his second win.

8.   Ballyfolion was forced to check on the first bend and Hyland said the dog cramped in the closing stages.