This drew national attention to Memphis, and helped justify their claim to what was called the "national pro championship."

Kidd won the pro championship the same year, the only racer to hold world titles in the two circuits at once.

The victory prompted Tigers owner S. A. Goodman to claim the "national pro championship."

Broadcast on ESPN, it was the first pro nine-ball championship to be televised.

Sabich won the pro championship in 1971 and 1972.

Ewing came out of college with one national title and Olajuwon came out with none, but now they are jockeying for a first pro championship.

That's why his 18 major pro championships put him on a pedestal as the best golfer in history.

Competitions such as the pro championships give it visibility because television thrives on figure skating and its high ratings.

Six pro championships.

The city of Pittsburgh celebrated its third major pro championship in 13 months.