Babylon, NY: John Rhodes, a 36 year old right-hander from Huntington Station, NY won the LIGBT March Madness Major at AMF Babylon by defeating second place finisher Steven Williams, Bellerose, NY 260-247 in the final shootout. This was John’s first LIGBT title since joining the club in 2010 and it was worth $3,000. Steve Williams earned $1,500 for his runner-up position. Finishing third with a 240 was Rob Foerster, East Meadow, NY earning $750 and fourth place, worth $400, went to John Ksar, Long Island City, NY with a 217.
The final shootout was extremely competitive as there were many lead changes. Steve Williams and Rob Foerster, both with the lowest handicap, had a string of strikes early while John Rhodes kept sparing every frame. In fact John shot the only clean game in the final shootout which gave him his victory. When Rob and Steve left an open frame in the 4th and 7th frames respectively, and John doubled in the 7th/8th frames, he secured his first title.
The AMF Babylon March Madness Major drew a record crowd of 367 entries and paid out more than $25,000 in prizes. A total of 58 bowlers advanced to the finals earning a minimum of $50. With 156 different bowlers competing better than 1 in 3 advanced to the finals in the 3-day event.
Kegel’s Sunset Strip pattern was used the first 2 days but the scoring was too high so the final day featured Kegel’s “Turnpike” pattern. The cut scores on the Sunset Strip pattern ranged from a low of 718 to a high of 751. On the Sunday Turnpike Pattern the cut scores ranged from 699 to 709. The high series of the tournament was shot by our champion John Rhodes who rolled an incredible 874 series in the Saturday 3pm squad.
LIGBT’s next tournament is a 2-squad handicap event at AMF Plainview (squad times 1pm & 3pm) Sunday, March 23rd. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,000 & $500. One in 6 each squad advances to the finals and will cash for a minimum of $60. Entry fees for the Plainview event are $60 & $40 prepaid. For complete results of the AMF Babylon Major please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Farmingdale Wellness Centers, Knockout Ball Cleaner and CLS Custom Upholsterers.