"He's established himself as one of the major contenders in this state, and he did so even after a late start."

"There's a big prize to be had, and the major contenders are either listing or have already listed."

That concern is reflected in the contributions the two major presidential contenders have received.

In fact, no major contender could afford to skip tonight's event.

But both major contenders will address the assembly on Saturday.

In Taiwan there seems to be a near-consensus on military issues among the three major contenders for president.

And I wasn't quite a major contender for a very long time.

That occurred July 13 and stamped him as a major contender for final victory.

Yet because of the large undecided vote it is too early to write off the two other major contenders.

The leading participants usually become major contenders for the following season's Classics.