1.  Colorado faces a difficult opener Saturday against Colorado State in Denver.

2.  It is not the most difficult opener, but it has been eagled just once in Masters history.

3.  Reigning champion Gustavo Kuerten has another difficult opener.

4.  Real Madrid ace Raul Gonzalez expects a difficult World Cup opener when Spain plays Slovenia, and says patience and ball possession will be the keys.

5.  Real Madrid on the other hand did not enjoy a happy rehearsal for their difficult Champions League opener against defending European Cup holders Ajax on Wednesday.