Deon Taitte with Damilyn and babyNew Hyde Park, NY: Deon Taitte, a 34 year old welder from Amityville, NY, won the $1,000 top prize at LIGBT’s sport shot event at Herrill Lanes. Deon earned his second LIGBT title by defeating Scott Kampf 232-231 in the final shootout. While Scott earned $600 for second, finishing third was Weldon Drayton, Brentwood, NY with a 228 worth $400. Rounding out the top 6 was 4th place finisher Cary Fishman, NYC with a 197 worth $350, 5th went to Tony Scibelli, Williston Park, NY with a 195 earning $300 and 6th was taken by Maniram Basdeo, Bronx, NY with a 176 worth $250.
The six bowler shootout became a 2 man race by the middle of the game. Scott, who was giving everyone pins, started off with 6 strikes in his first 7 frames. Meanwhile, Deon was the only other bowler to stay close as he was clean through his first 7 frames. When Deon struck in the 9th, and Scott spared, the title came down to the final frame. Deon went first and struck. Scott threw an 8 count on his first ball which meant Deon needed one more strike for the title. Deon threw a 6 count and thought he lost but when Scott missed the easy spare Deon had a 1 pin victory and his second LIGBT trophy.
The Herrill event drew a great crowd of 110 entries, advanced 16 bowlers to the finals and cashed another 14 bowlers for $75 (better than 1 in 3.) The total prize fund paid out $5,380 with all finalists earning at least $150. The cut scores on the Mexico City pattern were low; 637 & 636. High series of the tournament was shot by Weldon with a 737 in the 3pm squad. There were 2 wildcard winners; Darcy Monroe, E. Meadow, NY with a 1280 and Pete DiStefano, Franklin Square, NY with a 1276.
LIGBT’s next tournament is a special MLK weekend event at Strike 10 Deer Park. This 3 day extravaganza features an entry fee as low as $50 and top prizes of $1,500 & $750. To view the final results of the Herrill Lanes event please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Knockout Ball Cleaner, Torch Bowling, Billvee Electric, & Vietri Associates, and ManyStylesOfBowling.com.