Babylon, NY: Max Thomas, a 59 year old engineer from Stamford, CT won the LIGBT annual Holiday Tournament at AMF Babylon. Amazingly, it was Max’s second consecutive LIGBT title. Max’s third LIGBT title in the past 4 years became reality when he defeated Ron Hatchett, New York, NY, 217-210 to earn the $1,500 top prize. While Ron earned $750 for second, finishing third, just one pin behind, was Kevin Ohrnberger, Manorville, NY with a 209 worth $500. Rounding out the top 4 was Mike Simeone, Lindenhurst, NY with a 192 worth $300.
The final shootout was surprisingly low scoring. Everyone but Max had an open by the 3rd frame and only Max and Ron threw a double by the 5th frame. Max kept a small lead throughout the match since he didn’t have an open. But when Max had a surprising open in the final frame it gave Ron and Kevin a chance to grab the title in the tenth if they doubled. Kevin threw the first strike but couldn’t double and Ron got 9 on his first ball in the tenth giving Max the title while sitting down. Max was shocked as anyone that he won the tournament.
The AMF Babylon Holiday Tournament event drew a great crowd of 170 entries, advanced 31 bowlers to the finals and paid out $7,220. The cut scores on the “Boardwalk” pattern were 710, 703, and 702 for the 3 squads. High series of the tournament was shot by Kevin Ohrnberger with an 866 in the noon squad. The wildcard winner was Joe LaBargo, Bayside, NY with a 1369 6-game series. An extra woman was added to the finals; Evelyn Arena, W. Babylon, NY with a 689 series.
LIGBT’s next tournament is a house shot event at Port Jeff Bowl. This 2-squad event will take place on Sunday, December 16th and feature guaranteed top prizes of $1,000-$500-$300-$250 with 1 in 6 advancing to the finals. To view the final results of the AMF Babylon event please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, Knockout Ball Cleaner, Torch Bowling, Billvee Electric, & Vietri Associates.