31.   But as the reigning U.S. Amateur champion, he was an automatic entrant in both the Masters and the Open.

32.   But Friday at the Australian Open, push came to shove for Iva Majoli, the reigning French Open champion.

33.   But no man has ever been the reigning champion of the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship at the same time.

34.   But the Baltimore Ravens are the reigning champions because of their defense.

35.   Come February, Tara Lipinski will no longer be the reigning Olympic champion.

36.   Consider that championship leader Terry Labonte is only four points ahead of Chevrolet teammate and reigning Cup champion Jeff Gordon.

37.   Davis Love III, after playing with Kuchar on Saturday, said all the pros should have as playful an attitude as the reigning U.S. Amateur champion.

38.   Duhamel, the reigning Superbike champion, tried to convert a poor starting position into a decent track position but managed only a ninth-place finish.

39.   Earnhardt was in his third full year on the Winston Cup circuit, and he was the reigning champion.

40.   Eighteen months later, the Houston Rockets are reigning NBA champions.