Wantagh, NY: Dave Martorella, a 44 year old right hander from Meriden, CT, won his first LIGBT title at AMF Wantagh. Dave defeated 4 other shootout finalists to claim the $1,000 top prize and the LIGBT trophy. The final shootout was exciting as 3 out of the 5 bowlers had a shot at the title going into final frame.
Dave’s road to victory began by being the squad leader with a 727 in the 3pm squad earning him 1 bye in the finals. Dave entered the finals in Round 2 and advanced to the final shootout with a 222 handicap game which was the cut score. In the final shootout Dave marked in 9 out of 10 frames and finished with a 233 handicap game (199 scratch) 2 pins higher than his nearest competitor.
Dave actually won the title sitting on the bench. Kyle Lathen, Bronx, NY failed to double in the final frame which gave Dave the victory. Eddie Eng, Flushing, NY finished second with a 231, only 2 pins behind the winner, earning $500. Kyle, who finished in third place, won $250 with a 217 while Fred Wande, Bronx, NY earned $225 with a 214 finishing fourth. Rounding out the top 5 was So Young Chin, Whitestone, NY who earned $200 with a 177.
The AMF Wantagh tournament drew a good fall crowd of 77 bowlers. Kegel’s “Highway to Hell” pattern was used and the scoring was low all day. Eddie Eng led the first squad with a 738 series which was the high series of the day. The 1pm cut was 691 and the 3pm cut was 672.
LIGBT’s next tournament is a 2-squad regular event at AMF Plainview (squad times of 1pm & 3pm) Sunday, November 10th. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,000 & $500. One in 5 each squad advances to the finals and will cash for at least $70. For complete results of the AMF Wantagh tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Farmingdale Wellness Centers, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.