Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay walks to the dugout after giving up four runs in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Clearwater, Fla., Wednesday, March 31, 2010. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)Gene J. Puskar/The Associated Press
A National embarrassment
As far as opening acts go, it doesn't get much better. Roy Halladay's competitive debut for the Phillies this afternoon was always going to be a big deal but having the U.S. President warm up the crowd before the former Blue Jay whistles his first fastball past one of many unsuspecting Nationals takes some beating. Halladay might take care not to show up the commander-in-chief too much - though it might be hard given the way he bounced his first-pitch offering at last year's All-Star Game.
Barca set for stern test
You don't win six trophies in a calendar year without overcoming some sort of adversity, but for FC Barcelona, this week could provide their sternest test yet. Tomorrow's Champions League clash sees Arsenal attempting to ride their luck for another 90 minutes after forcing a draw in the quarter-final first leg despite being outplayed in one of the most one-sided games you're ever likely to see. And if they come through that unscathed, they face a challenge to their domestic crown in Real Madrid.
How the mighty have fallen
As the battle for the remaining NBA playoff places comes down to the wire this week, a nod to postseasons past will take place in Indianapolis today, and in particular one of the great rivalries of the late '90s. Both Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone, who were on opposite sides of the Chicago Bulls-Utah Jazz NBA Finals tilts, are set to be confirmed as part of this year's Naismith Hall of Fame induction class, joining their more famous running mates, Michael Jordan and John Stockton, in basketball immortality.
From H-O-R-S-E to horse
With the Butler Bulldogs continuing to monopolize the Cinderella storylines on this side of the pond, another four-legged friend threatens to reign supreme in England. Despite being raised on a one-acre patch of mud above an old slag heap, Dream Alliance is a 33-to-1 outside shot to win Britain's biggest horse race on Saturday, the Grand National. The gelding's victory would be the perfect payoff for her owners - 23 friends who have spent $15 a week to keep their horse in with a chance to win.
Paul Attfield