Wantagh, NY: Anatoly Khodorkovsky, a Verizon worker from Brooklyn, NY, won the $2,000 top prize at LIGBT’s Match Play Championship event hosted by AMF Wantagh. Anatoly’s third LIGBT title was accomplished when he defeated Abel David, Franklin Square, NY 264-248 in the final shootout. While Abel earned $1,000 for second, Tristyn Forde, a 17 year old student from Jamaica, NY took third with a 222 earning a $575 scholarship. Rounding out the top 4 was Daniel Gehrig, Baldwin, NY with a 203 worth $350.
The final 4 shootout was a great match since there was only a 9 pin difference in handicap among the 4 bowlers. Tristyn took the early lead with a triple in frames 2-4 but opened twice in the next few frames to fall behind. Anatoly jumped into the lead in the 6th frame with a triple and never looked back. Abel stayed close until a 6th frame open and just couldn’t catch Anatoly who doubled in the 9th and 10th to secure his victory. Daniel struggled throughout the match due to a popped blister on his finger but still managed to finish with a 203.
The AMF Wantagh event drew a good crowd of 159 entries, advanced 28 bowlers to the finals and paid out $7,390. The cut scores on the “USBC 40 foot” pattern were moderate; 676-723. High series of the tournament was shot by Adam DeRossi, Massapequa Park, NY with a 762 in the Friday, 10pm squad. There were 2 wildcard winners; on Friday night it was Tom Amendolora, Babylon, NY with a 1322 and on Sunday the winner was Rich Patson, Lindenhurst, NY with a 1324 six game series.
LIGBT’s next tournament is a special house shot event at Bowl Long Island in Patchogue on Sunday, March 4th. Top prizes will pay $1,000 & $500 and 1 in 4 each squad cashes. 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, Knockout Ball Cleaner, Torch Bowling, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.