Wantagh, NY: Eric Kaplan, 34 a year old right-handed commercial banker from Oakland Gardens, NY, won his first LIGBT title at AMF Wantagh with a clutch performance. Eric defeated Adam DeRossi, Massapequa Park, NY 251-244 with a double in the tenth to win the $1,000 top prize. While Adam earned $500 for being the runner-up, third place went to Sam Cooke, Patchogue, NY with a 225 worth $350. Fourth was Angel Villavicencio, Whitestone, NY with a 208 worth $300 and fifth went to Angelo DeSena with a 195 earning him $250.
The 5-person shootout started slow as all 5 bowlers had an open by the 4th frame. Adam took the lead with a double in the 6th and 7th frames and increased it to 36 pins with a strike in the 9th frame. Eric refused to surrender as he doubled in frames 8 & 9 and when Adam missed an easy one pin spare in the tenth it gave him the chance he wanted. Eric needed a double in the final frame to capture the title and he threw two perfect strikes to grab the $1,000 victory.
The AMF Wantagh tournament drew 98 entries, advanced 17 bowlers to the finals, and paid out $3,695. Kegel’s “Abbey Road” pattern (40 feet) was used resulting in unexpected high scores; the cut was 733 in the 1pm squad and 726 in the 3pm squad. High series of the tournament was shot by our champion Eric Kaplan with a 791 in the 1pm squad.
LIGBT’s next tournament is a special “house shot” event at AMF Sayville on Sunday, November 22nd with 2 squads; 1pm & 3pm. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,000-1st, $500-2nd, $300-3rd, $250-4th. One in 6 each squad advances to the finals and cashes for a minimum of $80. Entry fees are only $65 & $55. For complete results of the AMF Wantagh tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.