Jared Lintner is the unofficial leader of this tournament at noon. He’s got a rooting section in Russellville, Ark. That’s because if Lintner were to win this tournament, Fred Roumbanis of Russellville would slip in the Classic Bracket tournament next week on Carters Lake in Ellijay, Ga., and have new life in trying to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic. Three more Classic bids will be available in the Classic Bracket.
But Roumbanis isn’t rooting any harder for Lintner than Lintner. As has been noted, if Lintner doesn’t win, he’ll load up and head to Georgia after today’s weigh-in. Chad Pipkens, who finished 21st here yesterday, is already on his way to Georgia.