Babylon, NY: Rob Foerster, a 43 year old right-hander from E. Meadow, NY won the LIGBT Spring Major at AMF Babylon by defeating second place finisher Hermie Hannibal, Brooklyn, NY 243-232 in the final shootout. Rob becomes the first LIGBT champion to earn a spot in the finals from the Desperado Shootout to win the title. This was Rob’s first LIGBT title since joining the club in 2009 and it was worth $2,000.
The Spring Major champion was not determined until the final frame. Hermie was trailing Rob by 9 pins going into the tenth frame and she filled the last frame with a 9 spare 9 forcing Rob to mark. Rob threw a great shot in the tenth but left a 9 pin which he converted for the victory. Hermie earned $1,000 for her runner-up position. Rounding out the top five were third place finisher Devon Johnson, Brooklyn, NY with a 215 worth $500, fourth was Jackie Delawski, Williston Park, NY with a 204 worth $300, and fifth was Dwayne Redman, Bronx, NY with a 161 earning him $250.
The AMF Babylon Spring Major drew a great holiday crowd of 223 entries plus another 58 Desperado Shootout entries and paid out more than $8,000 in prizes. A total of 35 bowlers advanced to the finals earning a minimum of $80. With 114 different bowlers competing close to 1 in 3 advanced to the finals in the 2-day event.
Kegel’s 42 foot Autobahn pattern was used for the 5 qualifying squads and scoring was moderate. Cut scores were consistent all weekend ranging from 700 to 717. Two bowlers shot an 800+ handicap series; John Mauro, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY rolled an 813 in the Saturday 8pm squad and Deon Taitte, Amityville, NY shot an 801 in the Sunday 1pm squad.
LIGBT’s next tournament is a 2-squad handicap event at AMF Wantagh (squad times 1pm & 3pm) Sunday, April 27th. 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 Wantagh event are $60 & $50 prepaid and everyone receives a $5 bracket with their entry. For complete results of the AMF Babylon Spring Major please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Knockout Ball Cleaner and CLS Custom Upholsterers.