1.   Although Hitchcock and his players downplayed the rivalry yesterday, their words three weeks ago were much stronger.

2.   Although Sexton downplayed the rivalry with ZDTV, CNet has clearly shifted its strategy in an attempt to get a national audience for computer television before its cross-town rival.

3.   And while each downplays the rivalry, their individual assessments of the state of the relationship suggest that not all wounds have healed.

4.   Bragging rights are not even at stake, because both golfers have downplayed any rivalry.

5.   Chelette downplays the rivalry, at least between the two coaches.

6.   Fisher, of Draper Fisher, downplays any rivalry.

7.   Sanders termed the report false, then downplayed his rivalry with Rice.

8.   Sun downplayed its rivalry with Microsoft, saying the move is not intended to unseat the Redmond, Wash., software giant.

9.   Van Dyke also downplayed his rivalry with Henson before the season, but his teammate Shaun Mason knows this matchup means a lot to the Spartans quarterback.

10.   But the leaders of Hong Kong and Singapore have downplayed any rivalry, saying they are only friendly competitors.