Christie, Welcher Share Classic Lead Heading Into Championship Sunday On Lake Hartwell

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Published: 06 March 2022

B.A.S.S.Report

Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla., and Kyle Welcher of Opelika, Ala.

Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla., and Kyle Welcher of Opelika, Ala., are tied with 36 pounds, 7 ounces after Day 2 of the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk. Photos by Chris Brown and Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — With one day remaining, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk could not be much tighter, especially at the top of the standings.

Veteran Oklahoma pro Jason Christie and third-year Alabama pro Kyle Welcher moved into a tie for the lead during Saturday’s second round on Lake Hartwell, and only 7 pounds separate first place and 25th place as the anglers prepare for Championship Sunday.

Christie pushed his total to 36-7 by adding 19-6 on Saturday to the 17-1 he caught Friday. Welcher reached the mark by adding 17-10 to his Day 1 catch of 18-13.

After leading two previous Classics on the final day — only to fall just short of a victory — Christie joked that he was almost happy not having the lead to himself.

“That’s the best you can have if you feel like leading is bad luck,” he said, laughing. “All week, I’ve just felt like it’s my time. If it’s not, I don’t know when it is. I’m getting older and the fish are getting harder and these young guys are getting better.

“So, if this is not my time, I don’t know if it ever will be.”

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With Both Arms Working, New Takes Day 1 Lead At Bassmaster Classic On Lake Hartwell

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Published: 05 March 2022

B.A.S.S. Report

Bryan New - Day One Leader

Bryan New of Saluda, S.C., is leading after Day 1 of the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk with 20 pounds. Photo by Chris Brown/B.A.S.S.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — As it turns out, competing in professional bass fishing’s biggest event is quite a bit easier with two good arms.

After struggling through last year’s world championship with a broken right wrist, a healthy Bryan New weighed in five bass Friday for 20 pounds to take the first-round lead in the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk on Lake Hartwell.

New, who has extensive tournament history on Hartwell, narrowly outpaced Alabama pro Kyle Welcher (18-13), Louisiana veteran Greg Hackney (18-9) and Alabamian Steve Kennedy (18-9) on a day when 18 anglers brought at least 16 pounds to the scales.

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