Babylon, NY: Sushi chef Sun Kim, from Flushing, NY, took the day off from his restaurant to win the LIGBT Labor Day Major at AMF Babylon. Sun, who was making his first ever LIGBT finals, wowed the big crowd with his straight ball to shoot a 254 handicap game to claim the $2,000 major title. Finishing second, and earning $1,000, was last event’s champion Dwayne Redman, Bronx, NY. Dwayne had a chance to win the title with a double in the tenth frame but left a 7 count on his first ball to finish with a 223.
The final 5 shootout was an exciting and nerve racking match. Dwayne was the only bowler in the shootout to have a title and everyone else was appearing in their first shootout ever! Kim, who was a master of consistency, started the match with 6 marks in a row gaving him a slim lead. Kim opened in the 7th frame reducing his lead to less than 5 pins. But as a true champion Kim followed his open with a double and spare giving him a great chance to win. When Dwayne failed to double in the tenth the trophy and the $2,000 top prize was Kim’s forever.
Finishing third was the only woman in the shootout, Sheila Lee, Woodhaven, NY. Sheila finished with a 221 worth $750. Fourth place went to James “Iguana” Mora, Bronx, NY with a 193 earning him $600. The final spot in the shootout was taken by Guy Sereno, W. Hempstead, NY with a 192 worth $500. Guy, who has a 199 club average, was spotting the other 4 shootout bowlers at least 30 pins each as he owns one of the highest averages in the LIGBT.
The AMF Babylon tournament drew a 2-day Labor Day Weekend crowd of 235 entries, advanced 43 bowlers to the finals, and paid out $10,280 plus 12 Brunswick balls. Kegel’s 41 foot “Turnpike” pattern was used and cut scores ranged from 701 to 714. The high series of the tournament was shot by Julian Valdaro, Bay Shore, NY with a 797 series in the Sunday 3pm squad.
The LIGBT begins its eighth season on Sunday, September 27th at Herrill Lanes. 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 $80. Entry fees for the Herrill Lanes event are $65-1st entry and $55 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 Randi Siegel Law Offices.