While the influence of competence on interpersonal attraction has been examined from several perspectives, the attraction literature is relatively silent with respect to competitive interactions between the sexes. A study was conducted to examine the roles of competence and physical appearance in liking responses. Male (N=43) and female (N=53) college students competed in a staged quiz against a "pretty" or "plain" female confederate, the level of attractiveness predetermined by grooming and mode of dress. Quiz questions represented the subjects' favorite and the confederates' ostensive least favorite category. Having memorized the answers, confederates either decisively won or lost. Following the contest, subjects and confederates were directed to an adjoining room to sit on a bench. Subjects sat closer to and better liked the prettier confederate. Liking was found to be independent of the competitive outcome. These results suggest the subordinate role of competitiveness vis-a-vis appearance on liking judgments. (NB)