On the surface, it appears that NBC could be a formidable opponent for Fox in the race to 18-49 year olds.

FORBES: 'Smash': A Fresh Start For NBC, Or A Swan Song For Music Shows?

Often Mr Gray is a formidable opponent, and the contest is profitable.

ECONOMIST: PPE of global capitalism

Christopher "Kit" Bond (R) has drawn a formidable opponent, state Attorney General Jay Nixon (D), who has had a rocky first few months.

CNN: Senate Overview

The city is on the verge of returning to its once proud baseball roots and becoming a formidable opponent in the National League yet again.

FORBES: Great Expectations In The Brew City

Although Nelson lost the fight in the 15th round, his impressive performance against a formidable opponent such as Sanchez established him as a top talent in the international boxing scene.

CNN: Is Azumah Nelson Africa's greatest boxer?

He was extremely kind to those he liked and trusted, but was a formidable opponent of those with whom he disagreed - who were not left in ignorance of his views!

BBC: Sir Cyril Smith: Your memories

Barring a disastrous revelation or blunder, Mitt Romney will be a more formidable opponent than many assumed during his rightward lurch to secure the Republican nomination.

NEWYORKER: The Second Term

John Sharp, the state comptroller and the Democratic candidate for that powerful post (the lieutenant-governor, under the constitution, has most power to make or break bills), faces a formidable Republican opponent in Rick Perry.

ECONOMIST: Texas politics

This time, protesters are pressing their demands on a far more formidable opponent the military, backbone of power in the country for 60 years.

WSJ: Egypt Heads for Showdown

He was still a decided underdog in Brooklyn against Liakhovich, his most formidable opponent to date.

WSJ: This Top Heavyweight Has a Day Job