text: Below is an context that describes a sql query, paired with an question that provides further information. Write an answer that appropriately completes the request.  # noqa: E501
  ### Context:
  CREATE TABLE table_name_90 (champion VARCHAR, runner_up VARCHAR, year VARCHAR)
  ### Question:
  Who was the champion earlier than 1978 when the runner-up was Jimmy Connors?
  ### Answer:
  SELECT champion FROM table_name_90 WHERE runner_up = "jimmy connors" AND year < 1978