CONTENTS

22 Battle Of The Ballot
Michael Spinks retained his title with a split decision over Larry Holmes that came in for much second-guessing
by Pat Putnam

26 They're Having The First Laugh
St. Louis jumped off to a fast start in the NL East, thanks to the Cardinal virtues of pitching, good defense and speed
by Craig Neff

30 Dominique Had Himself A Picnique
Dominique Wilkins had a scoring feast as Atlanta walloped the Pistons twice in the opening round of the NBA playoffs
by Jack McCallum

38 Prose For The Roses
A former SI writer recalls the feats of William Faulkner and other notables assigned to describe the Kentucky Derby
by Whitney Tower

46 On The Course With Jack
Jack Nicklaus relives the shots that lifted him to victory in a Masters championship whose echoes still reverberate
by Sarah Ballard

74 On Guard And Quite In Control
Protected by trained dogs and propelled by an iron will, Ivan Lendl has ascended to the top of men's pro tennis
by Gary Smith

DEPARTMENTS

17 Scorecard
56 Horse Racing
60 Pro Football
66 Baseball
99 For The Record
100 19th Hole

Cover photograph by David E. Klutho

PHOTO

JOE McNALLY

LEADING OFF: Ivan Lendl, a man who keeps a tight rein on his emotions and his tennis game, takes his German shepherd Viky through an obstacle course set up behind his Greenwich, Conn. house.

74