1.   And the mound showdown took the intense rivalry between Boston and New York to new levels.

2.   A long-awaited showdown took place at the Olympic trials in Sacramento, but both pulled up with injuries.

3.   The budget showdown took its toll at the White House just as it did at other government offices.

4.   The final showdown took place Thursday night in a private meeting between Hollings and the Senate minority leader, Bob Dole of Kansas.

5.   The showdown took place during a hearing of the state Senate Subcommittee on Sports and Professional Sports Teams.

6.   Truth be told, the single most publicized pitching showdown did not take place in the postseason.

7.   A British promoter has dismissed claims that a Lennox Lewis-Mike Tyson heavyweight showdown could take place this summer.

8.   He said the opposition had been prepared for the debate so it would be fine if the government wanted the censure showdown to take place earlier.

9.   He said the showdown would not take place this year.