1.   First, a square grate covers what would have been a round exit from the spiral staircase.

2.   Despite his experience, the Russian captain is not immune to the sting of a first- round World Cup exit.

3.   For Pierce, it was her second early round Grand Slam exit this year after being knocked out of the Australian Open in the second round in January.

4.   The United States, despite its first round exit, qualifies automatically for the finals as host.

5.   Four months after their miserable first round exit from the European championships, Saachi is convinced Italy will do better at home to Georgia.

6.   Bayern Munich are still smarting after its embarrassing first round exit from the UEFA Cup.

7.   But four months after their miserable first round exit from the European championships, he is convinced Italy will do better at home to Georgia on Wednesday.

8.   But he came within two black balls of delaying his farewell and inflicting on title tip Williams a shock first round exit.

9.   But the DTB believe his shock first round exit at the hands of Patrick McEnroe on Tuesday means he has plenty of time to prepare for national duty.

10.   Chang is another unknown quantity, following up his victory in Orlando with a first round exit from the tournament in Atlanta two weeks ago.