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The Cavaliers have taken the first of three Division I shows at the DCI World Championships in Madison, Wisconsin, but two other corps appear to have not given up their right to lay claim to the big prize on Saturday night.

Plus, all throughout the Quarterfinals lineup, there are a number of tight races heading into the rest of the week.

A phenomenal race has developed at the top that has added tension and excitement to the competitive proceedings. Phantom Regiment (3rd-96.025) is within .9 of winning the gold medal, largely based on a 1st place finish in percussion (.55 over the Cavaliers and .50 over Blue Devils) and brass (only .1 over the Cavaliers and .3 over Blue Devils). The corps also took 1st place in visual performance by a scant margin.

Blue Devils (2nd-96.525) took top honours in visual ensemble (by .1 over the Cavaliers) and color guard by the same small spread. The corps hung tight in all other captions. The Cavaliers (1st-96.900) took 1st place in general effect visual and music, opening up a total general effect spread over Phantom Regiment by .8, but only .2 over Blue Devils. The .55 spread down from Phantom Regiment in percussion might be a deciding factor come Saturday, as well might be that large spread in general effect.

Place	Corps	Score
DIVISION I
1	The Cavaliers	96.900
2	Blue Devils	96.525
3	Phantom Regiment	96.025
4	The Cadets	93.475
5	Bluecoats	92.975
6	Santa Clara Vanguard	92.375
7	Carolina Crown	89.675
8	Blue Knights	89.650
9	Boston Crusaders	89.325
10	Madison Scouts	88.250
11	Glassmen	88.125
12	Spirit from JSU	86.525
13	Colts	84.625
14	Crossmen	82.675
15	Blue Stars	82.225
16	Capital Regiment	81.925
17	Mandarins	78.375
18	Southwind	77.950
19	Seattle Cascades	75.525
20	The Magic	75.225
21	Pacific Crest	74.900
22	Esperanza	72.800
23	Pioneer	71.550