A major player
Ahead of the game
A level playing field
In the driving seat
On the ropes
Flogging a dead horse
Move the goalposts
Keep your eye on the ball
A one-horse race
To be neck and neck
Being in front of the competition
Being in control
A change in the rules
Being at the same level as the competition
A situation of fair competition
Staying focused
Being the only competitor
Being in a very bad situation
Wasting your time on a hopeless situation
An important company or person with a lot of power or influence