New Hyde Park, NY: Denis Mendelson, a senior left-hander from Levittown, NY won his first LIGBT title at Herrill Lanes on Sunday. Denis earned $1,500 by defeating Darryl Freeman, Forest Hills, NY 247-237 in the final shootout. While Darryl earned $750, finishing in third was Jay Yi, Flushing, NY with a 229 worth $500. Rounding out the top 4 was Ken Simpson, Shirley, NY with a 190 worth $300.
The final shootout was competitive with the champion not decided until the final frame. Denis took a quick lead by throwing 4 strikes in his first 5 frames. But when Denis threw a split in his 7th frame and Darryl and Jay threw late doubles the match got very close. Both Jay and Darryl could have forced Dennis to double in his final frame if they struck out. Jay opened in his 10th and Darryl got the first strike but failed to double. Dennis still needed a spare to clinch the title and when he converted the 4-7 the title was his.
The Beat the Board Tournament drew a great crowd of 148 entries, advanced 24 bowlers to the finals and paid out $6,850 with all finalists earning at least $150. It took a 664 to advance on the Kegel Autobahn pattern. High series of the tournament was shot by Steve Chiu, Little Neck, NY with a 721 in the 1pm squad. The wildcard winners were Ken Simpson (1322) and Guy Sereno, W. Hempstead, NY (1406.) Monique Compton, Bronx, NY was the only women to advance.
LIGBT’s next tournament is a sport shot event at AMF Babylon on Sunday, August 11th- 1pm & 3pm. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay; $1,000-$500-$300-$250 with 1 in 4 bowlers cashing and 1 in 8 advancing each squad. 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.
SPECIAL NOTE: Congratulations to Denis for joining your crew as a champion. Denis joins his bowling partners; Frank Lunghi, Gary Paulsen, and Ed Passaro all who have an LIGBT title.