51.   A member of the South Korean organizing committee on Monday wondered whether historical animosity would keep Japanese Emperor Akihito from visiting Seoul to attend the opening match.

52.   A wrist injury forced defending champion Irina Spirlea to withdraw prior to her opening match.

53.   A win would put either team in prime position to advance to the second round after both squads won their opening match.

54.   Adding to the pressure is the fact that no host country has ever lost their opening match.

55.   After spending the first few days in Japan trying to fight off jet leg and heal its wounded, Germany began preparing in earnest Tuesday for the opening match.

56.   According to the deal, the opening match, semifinals and final must be shown on free television.

57.   After the opening match, the first round commences with three matches Friday, four Saturday and then four each on consecutive days the following week and weekend.

58.   After the see-sawing drama of the opening match, the second was one-sided.

59.   Agassi was delighted yet cautious with his win, a definite improvement after losing four opening round matches in his last four events.

60.   Adding to the pressure on the Japanese squad is the fact that no host country has ever lost their opening match.