51.  Chamblee took the early lead, but the droll University of Texas alumnus did not take to the course without a fight.

52.  Choosing to protect their early lead, the Stars fell back into the neutral-zone trap and iced the puck frequently.

53.  Christophe Auguin of France has taken over her early lead.

54.  Cleveland assumed an early lead after Jim Thome, their most productive hitter, was hit by a Pettitte fastball on the right wrist in the first inning.

55.  Colonial, once a layout where front-runners tended to protect early leads, has emerged as a course for comebacks in recent years.

56.  Countess Diana took the early lead but tired after a half mile, and lapsed back to fifth place as the field entered the homestretch.

57.  Dan Weinstein took the early lead in the four-lap final on Gabel, who drew the outside starting slot.

58.  De La Hoya piled up an early lead against Mosley, as he had against Trinidad, but then began to tire.

59.  Democratic Party leaders felt obliged to begin attacking Bush Thursday, even before he landed, obviously respecting the long early lead he holds in the Republican field.

60.  Despite the loss of Velarde, the Angels took an early lead on the Red Sox.