The Long Island Generations Bowling Tour (LIGBT) second season kicked off with its first of 18 events at AMF Plainview. A total of 95 bowlers, up 20% from last year’s first event, competed for over $7,000 in prizes. The winner of the scratch event was Dennis Nicol of Staten Island, NY earning $1,000. The 210 & under champion, was female bowler Hee Jin Jun of Flushing, NY who earned $500.
The scoring pace at AMF Plainview was the most challenging pattern used in LIGBT history. In the scratch event it only took a 195 average to make the finals in the 49 & under division and a 187 average in the senior division. In the 210 & under tournament it only took a 602 series, with handicap and bonus pins, to advance. Good shot making was definitely at a premium.
Dennis Nicol, a right-handed bowler who threw the ball fast and straight, was the qualifying leader with an 869 four game block. With his qualifying leader position Dennis was seeded into the final match and only had to bowl one game to win the title. He did just that rolling a 232 game to outpace his nearest competitor by 32 pins. Finishing second was Sal Materra, a super senior from Nesconset, NY. Sal needed a hit in the 10th frame to secure second place and the $500 payout. In third place was lefty Darren Andretta of New Hyde Park, who shot a 195 and took home $300. Rounding out the top 4 shootout was previous LIGBT Champion Alex Cavagnaro of Lindenhurst who rolled a 180 and earned $250.
The 210 and under final shootout was dominated by Hee Jin Jun. Hee won her first LIGBT title with a 202 game (including handicap and bonus pins) that included two split conversions. Hee’s nearest competitor was Lou Medina of W. Babylon, NY who earned $250 with a 179 game. Finishing third in the shootout was the qualifying leader (658), John Palermire of Farmingdale, NY who rolled a 153 and earned $175.
The next LIGBT event is at North Levittown Lanes on Sunday, November 8th at noon. Top prizes are guaranteed at $1,000 for the scratch event and $500 for the handicap tournament. As always, 1 in 4 bowlers will advance to the finals in both events. For more information on LIGBT Season 2, and complete results of the AMF Plainview event, please visit our website at www.ligbtour.com or call the tournament office at 1.877.900.6464.