Garden City, NY: Denis Mendelson, a 65-year old printer from Levittown, NY, won the $3,000 top prize at The LIGBT’s Thanksgiving Major held at AMF Garden City. Denis earned his second LIGBT title by defeating TJ Kim, Mineola, NY 246-232 in the final shootout. While TJ earned $1,500 for second, finishing third was Amanda Salyer, W. Islip, NY with a 227 worth $750. Rounding out the top 4 was Antoine Thurston, Harlem, NY with a 200 worth $500.
The final shootout was a tight match with all 4 players having a chance at the $3,000 title late in the game. While Antoine had the first double, his 3 open frames and smallest handicap forced him to play catch-up throughout the shootout. Amanda had a small lead going into the 8th frame but when she missed a spare and Denis doubled in the 9th/10th he took the lead but had to wait for TJ to bowl his final frame. TJ needed all 3 strikes to win but settled for 2nd place when he spared in the 10th.
The Thanksgiving Major at AMF Garden City drew an incredible crowd of 270 entries (including 34 desperado entries), advanced 46 bowlers to the finals and paid out $13,140. The cut scores on the “Autobahn” pattern were moderate and ranged from 675 to 699. High series of the tournament was shot by James Marino, Lindenhurst, NY with a 782 in the Friday, 10pm squad. There were 4 wildcard bonuses. The Friday night wildcards were won by Dwight Dunkley, Brooklyn, NY (1345) and Monica McMillan, E. Elmhurst, NY (1327). The Sunday wildcards were won by Curtis Hetmeyer, Brooklyn, NY (1321) and Sal Lauretta Sr., Center Moriches, NY (1298). A total of 4 women advanced to the finals out of 27 women entries.
LIGBT’s next tournament is our annual Holiday Tournament on Sunday, December 8th (1pm & 3pm) at AMF Wantagh. Top prizes are guaranteed at $1,500 & $750. To view the final results of the AMF Garden City Thanksgiving Major please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, Knockout Ball Cleaner, Torch Bowling, Vietri Associates and Billvee Electric.