Wantagh, NY: Steven Kelly, a 31 year old right hander from Islip, NY won his first LIGBT title by defeating James Marino, Lindenhurst, NY 251-245 at AMF Wantagh. Steve, who has been a member since 2009, earned $1,000 for his victory while James, who finished second for the 3rd time, earned $500. Rounding out the top 4 was third place finisher Julio Arnold, Woodside, NY with a 231 worth $300 and fourth went to senior bowler Jose Ferreira, also from Woodside, NY with a 226 worth $250.
The final shootout was a tight match until the end. Julio, who was giving everyone at least 18 pins in handicap, started out strong with two doubles in the first six frames. But he missed single pin spares in the 7th and 9th frames ruining his title hopes. James had an early triple but he opened in the last 3 out of 4 frames to finish second. Steve won the title with consistency as he had an early open but marked in every frame the rest of the way to secure his first victory.
The AMF Wantagh tournament drew a nice crowd of 124 entries, advanced 33 bowlers to the finals (better than 1 in 4), and paid out $5,760. The tournament pattern was “Middle Road” (39 feet) resulting in moderate cut scores: 723 at 1pm and 715 at 3:30pm. High series of the tournament was shot by Steve Baum with an 816 in the 3:30pm squad. The wildcard winner was Donald Eubanks with a 1406. The high handicap series without bonus pins pot winner was Sal Florinda with a 706 in the first squad. Rich Patson won the no-tap jackpot for $310 in the first squad.
LIGBT’s next tournament is our annual Super Bowl Marathon. This 5-game scratch and handicap tournament features a 1 in 4 prize list and will be held at AMF Plainview on Sunday, February 5th at NOON. Entry fee is $100 and includes the high game pots. To view the final results of the AMF Wantagh event please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Torch Bowling, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.