1.  And Poland, the first European team to qualify this time, is disciplined, sturdy, and hungry after four quadrennia away from the world stage.

2.  At the inaugural Homestead-Miami race last year, Pontiacs had the five best qualifying times, with David Green on the pole position.

3.  The Argentines will not be easy for any second-echelon American team to defeat when qualifying time for Sydney rolls around in less than two years.

4.  A state judge dismissed a motion Thursday to delay the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships to allow Hawaii swimmers to resolve problems with the NCAA over their qualifying times.

5.  Japan boasts better facilities, but South Korea has better World Cup records, qualifying four times for the tournament to none for Japan.

6.  She said she hopes the selectors will give her extra time to set qualifying times.

7.  South Korea has better soccer pedigree, qualifying four times for the World Cup and twice winning the Asian Cup.

8.  South Korea has better World Cup records, qualifying four times for the tournament to none for Japan.

9.  The starting grid for the Japanese Grand Prix will be decided on the basis of best qualifying times from official sessions on Friday and Saturday.