1.  He failed dismally in his opening match.

2.  BOTH Newry and RUC produced several new faces from the wardrobes in the opening match of the Kirk Cup at Newry this afternoon -- all for various reasons.

3.  ANDRE AGASSI today landed a difficult opening match for the launch of his Wimbledon title defence next Monday.

4.  After its hard-fought opening match, the SFO never managed to complete another trial as the courtroom theatre degenerated from high drama to farce.

5.  Andre Boy vanished before the Ashe dedication Monday night but resurfaced for his opening match Tuesday night, giving some vague excuse for blowing off the ceremony.

6.  Argentina, having won its opening match in Group F against Nigeria, can secure a place in the second round with a victory.

7.  As soon as Deep Blue won that opening match, Dan Reeves and Rich Kotite secretly put their homes up for sale.

8.  Booed by the fans in Marseille during introductions before the opening match against South Africa, Jacquet has been cheered ever since.

9.  A year ago, Milbrett had seemed tense and hesitant in the opening match of the World Cup.