And even if the voters do spring a surprise, the government seems unminded to take No for an answer.

ECONOMIST: Ireland and the EU

Rosenborg threatened to spring a surprise when Miika Koppinen turned in Marek Sapara's free-kick at the near post in the 24th minute.

BBC: Chelsea 1-1 Rosenborg

McGee believes his main opposition will come from Armstrong, Ullrich, his countryman Michael Rogers and Santiago Botero, "although there are others who can spring a surprise".

BBC: SPORT | Other Sport... | Cycling | McGee bids to upstage Armstrong

Personally, I think Federer and Nadal are more likely champions, while Hewitt has the form and pedigree to spring a surprise, but Andy could do it and I have every confidence in him.

BBC: Andy Murray knows he can win Wimbledon - Tim Henman

But with the likes of world number one Annika Sorenstam in her side, and thousands of their compatriots cheering them on from behind the ropes, I would not be at all surprised if Alfredsson's army spring a surprise come 2007.

BBC: HELEN ALFREDSSON FACTFILE

Westwood had been surprisingly teamed up with rookie Rory McIlroy during final practice on Thursday, but Montgomerie resisted any temptation to spring a surprise and instead selected the 21-year-old Northern Ireland player alongside fellow countryman Graeme McDowell in the day's second group.

BBC: Ryder Cup 2010: Westwood aims to lead Europe by example

But the government might just decide to spring a December surprise.

BBC: How the Houses stand

The fight for Wisconsin's governorship may spring a Minnesotan surprise.

ECONOMIST: Oddball politicians

There, however, the clarity pretty much ends, and not just because Mr Brown will surely spring a populist surprise or two (remember the extra cash for hospitals and schools in July, or the pensioners' winter warmer in November?).

ECONOMIST: The budget

Oldham, who eliminated Everton's Merseyside rivals Liverpool in round four, earned a replay with an injury-time equaliser in the original tie but couldn't spring another surprise at Goodison Park, losing 3-1.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The Blue Sox, who have enjoyed two rare successes at Odsal in the Super League era, threatened to spring another surprise when stand-off Martin Pearson put them in front after only three minutes with a penalty goal kicked from two metres inside the Bradford half.

BBC: Bulls mock Blue Sox