News 2014

Syosset, NY: The Long Island Generation Bowling Tour (LIGBT) is pleased to announce its Fall Schedule. The LIGBT will be running 9 events in 8 different bowling centers. All events will feature guaranteed top prizes, 3-games per squad handicap qualifying, challenging lane patterns, and amateur only eligibility.

The LIGBT kicks off its fall season with a 2-squad handicap event at AMF Wantagh on Sunday, September 21^st. In October the LIGBT visits Herrill and Farmingdale Lanes. There will be 3 events in November; 2 regular events at JIB and Levittown Lanes and a 2-day major at AMF Babylon on Thanksgiving weekend. Two events will be held in December at AMF Garden City and AMF Plainview. The final event will be a 5-game handicap marathon on New Year’s Day at AMF Babylon which is open to non-members.

The LIGBT is the largest bowling club on the east coast with 2,000 members and more than $1.5 million paid out its first six seasons. What makes the LIGBT so successful is its balanced competition and professionally run tournaments. No one dominates as everyone’s average is carefully monitored. Out of 34 events last season there were only 5 repeat champions. Only 3 bowlers in the club averaged over 190 and the median average for all members is 168.

Entry fees for LIGBT tournaments are very affordable; only $60 for your first entry and $50 for re-entries. Most tournaments are run on Sunday’s with two squads; 1pm & 3pm. For additional information on the LIGBT please visit ligbtour.com or call the tournament office at 1.877.900.6464.

Syosset, NY: The Long Island Generations Bowling Tour (LIGBT) recently completed its sixth season which consisted of 34 handicap events across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Over $300,000 in prize money was distributed to 226 different cashers. A total of 4,418 entries were recorded which means a typical LIGBT event attracts 130 entries.

There were many members that had outstanding performances in Season 6. Dexter Sapp, Valley Stream, NY, was the only bowler to win 3 events (he also finished second once.) There were 3 bowlers that won twice: Daniel Goldberg, Douglaston, NY, Gwendolyn Ganus, Brooklyn, NY and Cary Fishman, New York, NY. A total of 55 different bowlers finished either first or second in one of the 34 events.

The leading money winner for Season 6 was Daniel Goldberg who earned $4,605 in 28 events. The second leading money winner was Dexter Sapp earning $4,495 in 30 events. 226 different bowlers (64% of the membership) cashed in at least one tournament. For the first time in LIGBT history 10 bowlers earned more than $3,000 and 91 bowlers earned in excess of $500.

Being a consistent casher is everyone’s goal. There were 6 bowlers that cashed in 14 events; Daniel Goldberg, Maniram Basdeo (Bronx, NY), Steven Williams (Bellrose, NY), David Soren (Long Beach, NY), Alex Padmore (Jamaica, NY), and Ed Eng (Flushing, NY.) The highest cashing ratio, which was 56%, was attained by Maniram Basdeo and Steven Williams.

The LIGBT’s popularity is in part is due to the challenge patterns at each event. While scoring is out of control in leagues the LIGBT has successfully kept scoring moderate. The highest average in the club is held by Bobby Wunsch, E. Meadow, NY with a 191.49. There were only two other members that averaged above 190; Julio Arnold, Woodside, NY (190.65) and Jason Nicholas, Wantagh, NY (190.58). The median average for the entire club was 168.33.

The LIGBT will be announcing its Season 7 schedule that will include 26 events and several new bowling centers including one in Queens. Entry fees will remain the same ($60 & $50) and there will be no increase in dues. For additional information about the LIGBT please visit www.ligbtour.com.

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 5^th 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 10^th 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.

Garden City, NY:  Elizabeth John, a 25 year old student from Astoria, NY, won her first LIGBT title with an amazing comeback. Elizabeth earned the $1,000 top prize with a 254 defeating second place finisher Ken Simpson, Shirley, NY by 11 pins (243 worth $500.) Third place went to another student, 15 year old Scott Kampf, Levittown, NY who earned $300 with a 217.

The early part of the shootout was dominated by Scott who started the match with 4 strikes in a row while Elizabeth began with 2 opens. But after her poor start Elizabeth stayed clean and finished with 4 strikes in a row while Scott has 3 late opens. Kenny, on the strength of two doubles, had a late one pin lead going into the final frame but Liz struck out to claim the victory.

The Garden City tournament drew a great summer crowd of 111 entries, advanced 20 bowlers to the finals, and paid out $4,200. Kegel’s 43 foot Dead Man’s Curve pattern was used and scoring was moderate (715 cut for both squads). High series of the tournament was shot by John Mienkiewicz, Plainview, NY with an 801 series in the 1pm squad.

LIGBT’s next tournament is a 3 day Labor Day Weekend Major at AMF Babylon. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $3,000 & $1,500. One in 6 each squad advances to the finals and will cash for a minimum of $80. Entry fees for the 6-squad event are $65 per entry. For complete results of the AMF Garden City tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, and  CLS Custom Upholsterers.

Levittown, NY:  In one of the most amazing comebacks in LIGBT history Jim Walsh, Glen Cove, NY won his second LIGBT title (first in 5 years) by defeating Alan Seeley, Wantagh, NY 241-237 in the final shootout. Jim overcame a 41 pin deficit in the 5^th frame to earn the $1,000 top prize while Al earned $500 as the runner-up. Finishing third with a 224 and earning $350 was Preston Cheeks, Brooklyn, NY. Fourth went to Kevin Rabich, Ridge, NY with a 196 worth $300 and fifth was taken by Rich Patson, Lindenhurst, NY with a 190 worth $250.

Jim started the match with 3 opens in his first 5 frames. Preston, Al, and Kevin each had an early double and an open. Jim started his amazing comeback in the 6^th frame with a strike and kept the string going until his fill ball in the tenth frame. Al could have won his first title with a strike in the tenth but he left two pins giving him second place. 

The South Levittown tournament drew a great summer crowd of 99 entries, advanced 17 bowlers to the finals, and paid out $3,640. Kegel’s 43 foot Autobahn pattern was used and scoring was on the moderate side (710 cut at 1pm & 701 at 3pm). The high series of the tournament was shot by our champion Jim Walsh with an 805 series in the 3pm squad.

LIGBT’s next tournament is a 2-squad (1pm & 3pm) handicap event at AMF Garden City on Sunday, August 24th. 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 AMF Garden City event are $60-1^st entry and $50 for a re-entry. For complete results of the South Levittown tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, and  CLS Custom Upholsterers.

Wantagh, NY: Anatoly Khodorkovsky, Brooklyn, NY, earned his second LIGBT title with a victory at AMF Wantagh on Sunday. Anatoly had to defeat two of LIGBT’s top bowlers; Bobby Wunsch and Rob Foerster both from East Meadow, NY and both LIGBT title holders. Anatoly earned the $1,000 top prize with a 241 while Bobby took second with a 234 worth $500 and Robb finished third with a 223 earning him $300. 

Anatoly’s road to victory got off to a slow start as he missed a one pin spare in the first frame while Rob and Bobby had at least a double in the first five frames. Anatoly moved ahead with a triple in frames 5 through 7. When Bobby doubled in the final frame it forced Anatoly to mark which he did successfully by converting a 6 pin which secured his victory.

The AMF Wantagh tournament drew a great summer crowd of 95 entries, advanced 17 bowlers to the finals, and paid out $3,540. Kegel’s 40 foot Abbey Road pattern was used and scoring was on the moderate side (693 cut at 1pm & 698 at 3pm). The high series of the tournament was shot by Sam Cooke, Patchogue, NY with a 805 series in the 3pm squad.

LIGBT’s next tournament is a 2-squad (1pm & 3pm) handicap event at South Levittown Lanes on Sunday, August 3rd. 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 South Levittown event are $60-1^st entry and $50 for a re-entry. For complete results of the AMF Wantagh tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, and  CLS Custom Upholsterers.

Babylon, NY: “Gwen” Ganus, Brooklyn, NY won her second LIGBT title in one of the closest shootouts in LIGBT history. Gwen struck out in the final frame to defeat second place finisher George Williams, Jamaica, NY 244-236. Gwen’s second LIGBT title was worth $2,000 while George earned $1,000 for his runner-up position. Finishing third and earning $700 was Justin Kampf, Levittown, NY with a 224 and fourth place went to Gary Paulsen, Massapequa, NY with a 215 worth $400.

Gwen’s victory was the result of an amazing comeback. While all three of her competitors doubled in the first five frames she had 3 opens and was trailing by 33 pins halfway through the match. But Gwen’s last 5 frames included a double, 2 spares, and a triple in the tenth to finish her comeback. Amazingly, all 4 competitors were separated by only 11 pins going into the final frame.

The AMF Babylon tournament drew a 2-day crowd of 174 entries, advanced 34 bowlers to the finals, and paid out $7,810 plus 8 Brunswick balls. Kegel’s 39 foot Middle Road pattern was used and cut scores ranged from 704 to 730. The high series of the tournament was shot by Joe Freeman, Ridgewood, NY with a 787 series in the Sunday 1pm squad.

LIGBT’s next tournament is a one day handicap event at AMF Wantagh on Sunday, July 27^th. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,000 & $500. One in 6 each squad advances to the finals and cash for a minimum of $60. Entry fees for the Wantagh event are $60-1^st entry and $50 for a re-entry. For complete results of the AMF Babylon tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.

E. Meadow, NY: Joe Freeman, a 37 year old left-hander from Ridgewood, NY, earned his second LIGBT title at AMF East Meadow with a thrilling one pin victory. Joe defeated Chris Bonomo, a 21 year old right-hander from East Meadow, 231-230. Joe earned $1,000 while Chris took home $500 for second. Finishing third, with a 219, was Jonathan Corda, Williston Park, NY, earning $300.

The early frames of the shootout saw some great bowling as all 3 competitors were clean heading into the 5^th frame. By the 7^th frame Chris held a 21 pin lead over Joe as he had a couple of opens. But when Chris left a 7 count on his fill ball in the tenth frame Joe knew he needed to fill 29 pins to secure the victory. Two perfect tenth frame strikes plus a 9 count gave Joe the title.

The AMF East Meadow tournament drew a great crowd of 125 entries, advanced 22 bowlers to the finals, and paid out $4,450. Kegel’s 42 foot Autobahn pattern was used and scoring was on the moderate side (718 cut at 1pm & 715 at 3pm). High series of the day was shot by Bobby Wunsch, East Meadow, NY in the 1pm squad with a 799.

LIGBT’s next tournament is the July 4^th weekend major at AMF Babylon. The July 5-6 tournament will pay prizes of $2,000 & $1,000. One in 6 each squad advances to the finals and will cash for a minimum of $80. All entries for the 2-day major are $65 per squad. For complete results of the AMF East Meadow tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Knockout Ball Cleaner and CLS Custom Upholsterers.