Similarly, Bryant and O'Neal, the pre-eminent players of their day at their positions, are embraced for elevating the Lakers to dominant status in team sports.

He was one of the pre-eminent players of the 1970s and the early 1980s, training at the Armed Forces sports society in Dnipropetrovsk.

She was one of the pre-eminent players of the 1960s and the early 1970s, training at VSS Neftchi in Baku.

It promises to be one of the season's most intriguing studies, whether Jordan can reclaim his position as the league's pre-eminent player, or whether his best is no longer the best.

Repeatedly, Mr. Steiner expressed regret that he had not been able to come up with a deal that Patrick Ewing, the Knicks' pre-eminent player, would accept.

Jackson entrenched herself as one of the game's pre-eminent players, backing her way in for layups, spotting up for 3-pointers and rejecting shots back to the floor.

"These brands will emerge as the pre-eminent players in the movie business."

At 34, he remains the game's pre-eminent player and the chance of his playing beyond next season remains strong.

Shuwa's comprehensive victories over Genan established himself as the pre-eminent player of the day.

He had been a pre-eminent player for 20 years, known as much for his grit as his talent.