Word Cup Day 3: Eta Karo surges into the lead

At the close of play yesterday, we had a big crowd atop the Word Cup CSW standings, with one player standing tall at 10 wins and 8 (eight!) others just a game back. That meant the door was wide open for anyone near the top to go on a run and grab control of first place.

And go on a run, Eta Karo indeed did.

The top Nigerian expert was one of the many players tied at 9-5 entering today's session - and after dropping his first game, he was 9-6. But he ran the table in his next six games, including a crucial win in the last game of the day against fellow top contender Josh Sokol. Eta now stands alone - the only player at 15-6. He's got a little bit of a cushion on the rest of the field, including a win and a bit of spread.

Here's how the leaderboard breaks down:

1. Eta Karo (15-6, +1145)

2. Wellington Jighere (14-7, +888)

3. Joel Wapnick (14-7, +639)

4. Jesse Day (14-7, +442)

5. Josh Sokol (13.5-7.5, +453)

6. Geoff Thevenot (13-8, +718)

7. Nsikak Etim (13-8, +548)

8. Dave Wiegand (13-8, +189)

9. Winter (13-8, +59)

10. Evans Clinchy (12-9, +264)

We've still a long way to go, though. With 21 games down, 10 more still await. A lot can change. Tomorrow, needless to say, will be a big day.

We'll see you then.