1.   Over the past month, the Mariners designated hitter has come out of nowhere to challenge for his third batting crown.

2.   The third major crown is the World Boxing Council title, currently open.

3.   Pete Sampras wanted plenty of grass-court play before he attempts to win a third consecutive Wimbledon crown next week.

4.   Hingis is seeking an unprecedented third straight Toray crown.

5.   Martinez, a Spaniard ranked fourth in the world, is seeking her third consecutive crown here.

6.   Agassi is gunning for his third ATP crown of the year, having captured the hardcourt titles at Scottsdale and Miami.

7.   And for now, the Cowboys are favorites to win their third Super Bowl crown in four years.

8.   But he looked in top form as he prepared to bid for his third straight Wimbledon crown.

9.   Winner at Barcelona and Berlin this year, Sanchez-Vicario had been bidding for third French crown.

10.   Jockey Gary Stevens won his third Kentucky Derby crown.