Chris Pierce, GM AMF Wantagh
and Champion Lou BarberaWantagh, NY: Lou Barbera, a 61-year old high school teacher from N. Bellmore, NY won the $1,500 top prize at LIGBT’s holiday tournament at AMF Wantagh. Lou won his first LIGBT title by defeating Jong Bo Shim, Fresh Meadows, NY 231-221 in the final shootout. While Jong Bo earned $750 for second, finishing third was Rich Hengel, E. Meadow, NY with a 219 worth $450. Rounding out the top 4 was Archie Nabas, Queens Village, NY with a 215 worth $300.
The final shootout was a very close match right up until the final frame. Lou took the early lead with two doubles in his first 6 frames. Jong Bo, who was getting the most handicap, had a triple and 3 opens in his first 6 frames. Rich trailed early as he had 2 opens and no doubles through 6 frames. Archie, who was giving everyone pins, started with 2 opens but then strung 4 out of 5 strikes in the middle of the game to put him right back in the match.
Going into the 10th frame all 4 bowlers had a shot at the title. Jong Bo completed his game first with a spare giving him 219. Rich needed a strike on his fill ball to tie Jong for the lead but left a 6 count. Lou needed a mark to take over the lead and struck on his first ball to give him the title. Archie could have jumped from 4th to 2nd with a double but only got the first strike and settled for 4th place.
The AMF Wantagh event drew a great crowd of 145 entries, advanced 26 bowlers to the finals, and paid out $6,240. The cut scores on the Broadway pattern were: 698 & 702. High series of the tournament was shot by our champion with a 780 in the 1pm squad. The wildcard winner was John Jackson, Bogota, NJ with a 1349 six-game series. One woman was added to the finals; Natalie Villemure, Levittown, NY with a 698.
In addition to the finalists there were many other winners in the holiday raffle. Two Brunswick balls, 2 Torch triple rollers, 6 quarts of Knockout Ball Cleaner, and 16 LaRue LIGBT Jerseys were won. All bowlers received a bunch of holiday gifts from the LIGBT including a torch double tote bag, knockout ball cleaner, towel, and gifts from Station Casinos. Bowlers also enjoyed holiday cake and candy throughout the tournament.
LIGBT’s next tournament is a 2-squad sport shot event at Herrill Lanes; Sunday, December 22nd (1pm & 3pm.) To view the results of the Holiday Tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Knockout Ball Cleaner, Brunswick, Torch Bowling, Billvee Electric, Vietri Associates, and ManyStylesOfBowling.com.