1.   Hewitt, battling to recover after his illness, also must negotiate the top-heavy first half and plays tough Spaniard Alberto Martin first-up.

2.   Japan is battling to recover from a decade-long economic slowdown, but recent data indicate the recovery may be stalled.

3.   Rao already is battling to recover from defeats in state elections over the last six months.

4.   The growth figures come as Japan is battling to recover from its deepest economic downturn in decades.

5.   The meager growth figures come as Japan is battling to recover from its deepest economic downturn in decades.

6.   Gold miners in Western Australia are still battling to recover from torrential rains which swept through the state last week with Cyclone Bobby.

7.   Afghanistan is battling to recover from more than two decades of conflict and a crippling three-year drought which has left the country bankrupt and in ruins.

8.   Afghanistan is battling to recover from more than two decades of conflict and a crippling three-year drought, which have left the country bankrupt and in ruins.

9.   Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves is battling to recover from a bruised shin after a collision with teammate Michael Owen in the win over Argentina.