21.   The first was played two years ago in Brazil and last year in Parma.

22.   The National Symphony Orchestra played the first of two free concerts -- with no conducter, no payment, and almost no future.

23.   The teams were playing the first of back-to-back games, with a second meeting on Wednesday in Philadelphia.

24.   The team is due to play the first of two training matches on Thursday against local clubs.

25.   Washington played the first of three consecutive games against New York-area teams.

26.   And though Santos, plus fellow second-choice centre back Aldair, were playing their first match together, they looked comfortable.

27.   Australia play the first of four Tests against the West Indies in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Friday.

28.   The Wallabies play the first of their four matches north of the border next Wednesday when they face Scotland-A at Netherdale.

29.   Juventus, playing the first of five matches against Parma over the next five weeks, responded with controlled agression channelled well by Portuguese playmaker Paulo Sousa.