cannon fodder
cliffhanger
unbeatens
outsider
in a league of one's own
unbackable favourite
competition
rival
competitor
contender
challenger
dead heat
also-ran
loser
nonnomination
long shot
side
front runner
pool of death
snatch defeat from the jaws of victory
Susan Lucci
noncompetition
spoiler
upset
whistle for
choke
contest
underdog
favourite
cough up
to the death
draw
winnerless
winless
Mexican standoff
dud
field
defeat
flop
no-hoper
washout
no-height
pennantless
licking
whitewash
unchallenged
nonfinalist
reign
contendership
run for the roses
nonqualifier
nonscorer
teamlessness
dead end
squeeze out
default
go set
unhopeful
slim chance
dead-end
fat chance
go home
even
contest competition
rivalless
champion
noncontender
level
on the bubble
non partant
top dog
tied
deathmatch
uncompetitive
losingest
lose
photo finish
rat race
on ice
play fight
decision
daily double
comer
choker
group of death
upsetter
elimination tournament
rematch
final cut
Shaughnessy playoff
playoff
semifinalist
one strike and you're out
quiz
West plea