Astoria, NY: Michelle Lasala, an office manager from Whitestone, NY, won her first LIGBT title with an historic victory at Astoria Bowl. Michelle defeated Emmanuel Edobar-Osula, Richmond Hill, NY, in LIGBT’s first ever 9th & 10th frame roll off 47-38 to earn the $1,000 top prize. Michelle and Emmanuel tied in regulation with a 225. While Emmanuel earned $500 for second, David Ruiz, Whitestone, NY came in third with a 219 worth $350. Finishing fourth was Sueng Yoo, New York, NY with a 200 earning him $300.
All 4 shootout finalists were looking for their first LIGBT title. In a surprisingly low scoring match on a house shot, all 4 shootout finalists had an open by the 3rd frame. The only double of the match was thrown by Emmanuel in 8th and 9th frames. The 225 tie came as a result of Michelle throwing a strike on her final ball in the tenth while Emmanuel opened with a split.
The tie-breaking roll off was exciting. Emmanuel shot first and threw a strike. Michelle started with a spare and doubled and 7 in her extra final frame. Emmanuel needed a strike on his first ball in his extra 10th frame and completed the task. He needed 8 on his next shot to win the title but amazingly threw the ball in the gutter! Michelle was in shock at Emmanuel’s misfortune and both bowlers hugged each other when the match was over.
The Astoria Bowl house shot tournament drew a great crowd of 130 entries, advanced 23 bowlers to the finals, and paid out $4,830. The house shot resulted in moderate cut scores for an easy pattern; 759 at 1pm squad and 750 at 3pm. High handicap series of the tournament was shot by Emmanuel in the 3pm squad with an 833.
LIGBT’s next tournament is sport shot handicap event at Rockville Centre Lanes on Sunday, June 26th. 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 $65 & $55. For complete results of the Astoria Bowl tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.