Phelps’ chase for eight gold medals gets busier

It’s back to work for Michael Phelps, whose chase for eight gold medals gets busier today with preliminaries in the 200 freestyle and a chance for gold No. 2 in the 100 freestyle, though whether he’ll swim the finals, the prelims or both remains a matter of debate. Also in the pool, Brendan Hansen goes for the first of three potential golds in the 100 breaststroke.

Men’s basketball: Has Team USA really gotten its act together, as it’s proclaimed to any and all leading up to today’s opener in Puerto Rico? The Puerto Ricans normally wouldn’t provide much of a gauge on the strength of the Americans, but then again, neither did the Italians in an Olympic tuneup. Anything less than a decisive victory for Allen Iverson and friends will start the doubt wagon rolling again.

Women’s gymnastics: Team USA is paired with the team expected to be its toughest challenger in Tuesday’s team final – Romania. They’re grouped with Canada and the Ukraine in the second of four sessions.

Softball: After toying with Italy in its opener, Team USA gets what could be its toughest test of the Games against Australia. The Aussies are the last team to beat Team USA in International competition, 2-1 in the 2000 Sydney Games. Australia is coming off a 4-2 win against a tough Japan team.

Beach volleyball: Top-ranked American women Misty May and Kerri Walsh begin their gold-medal quest against Japan’s Ryo Tokuno and Chiaki Kusuhara. A major question surrounds May’s health after an abdominal injury sidetracked her pre-Athens preparations.