Babylon, NY: Joe Hatchett, a 60 year old right hander from New York City, won his first LIGBT title worth $3,000 at AMF Babylon. In a low scoring title match Joe finished strong to shoot a 207 to defeat second place finisher John Mienkiewicz, Plainview, NY who shot a 192 worth $1,500. Finishing third, and earning $750, was Julian Valdaro, a 20 year old left hand bowler from Bayshore, NY with a 190.
The shootout at AMF Babylon was a lesson in futility. All 3 bowlers had at least 2 opens by the 5th frame. Despite the fact Joe did not hit the head pin for 5 consecutive frames on his first ball he adjusted his line and finished the match with 7 consecutive marks. Going into the 10th frame all 3 bowlers were within 7 pins. Joe was the only competitor to mark in the tenth which gave him his first title.
The Labor Day Major shootout produced some of the lowest scores in LIGBT’s 6 year history. The tough scoring conditions can be attributed to the fact all 3 bowlers were looking for their first LIGBT title, Kegel’s 41 foot Turnpike pattern was used, and there was over $5,000 in prize money up for grabs. The best part of a low scoring match is the winner wasn’t decided until the final frame.
The AMF Babylon Labor Day Major drew a great summer crowd of 232 entries, advanced 45 bowlers to the finals (better than 1 in 3), and paid out $11,110. Scoring on Kegel’s Turnpike pattern was low as the cut scores ranged from 669 to 690. High series of the tournament was shot by Rich Patson, Lindenhurst NY with a 757 series in the Sunday 1pm squad.
LIGBT will begin Season 7 on Sunday, September 21 at AMF Wantagh. The fall schedule will be released shortly. For complete results of the AMF Babylon Major please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.