Garden City, NY: The LIGBT, sponsored by Storm, ran its annual New Year’s Day 4-game mini-marathon at AMF Garden City. The handicap champion was 24-year-old Kelvin Oats, New York, NY winning his first LIGBT title worth $1,000. There was a tie for the scratch title as Max Thomas, N. Babylon, NY and Jose Perez, E. Elmhurst, NY each earned $375.
The handicap final shootout, where the top two from both age divisions combine for a 1-game shootout, started out fast with all 4 bowlers striking. But the only one that kept throwing strikes was Kelvin. In fact, Kelvin went into the 10th frame looking for a perfect game but a 9-count on his first shot forced him to settle for a 279. Bill Verni, N. Babylon, NY finished strong to jump into second place with a 245 worth $500. Nicholas Cirillo, a 20-year-old right hander from W. Islip, NY, was looking for his first LIGBT title but had to settle for 3rd place with a 234 worth $350. Calvin Nottingham, Deer Park, NY, the elder statesman of the shootout at 72-years old, started with a string of strikes but left a few 10-pins late and finished in 4th place with a 225 worth $300.
The scratch event created co-champions as Max Thomas and Jose Perez tied with a 984 (246 average) each earning $375. Finishing in 3rd place with a 975 worth $150, was Brandon Hughes, W. Hempstead, NY. A total of 6 bowlers cashed in the scratch prize list which paid out $1,200.
LIGBT’s New Year’s Day tournament drew a field of 132 entries, paid out $4,675 in prize money, and had 23 bowlers go to the cashing window. The side action paid out an additional $4,235 bringing the days total payout to $8,910. Scores to cash on the house shot were 993 in the 49 & under handicap division, 959 in the senior handicap division, and 926 in the scratch event. The winner of the Storm ball raffle was David Cincotta, N. Babylon, NY. Jose Perez shot the only scratch 300 game of the tournament.
LIGBT’s next tournament is our 5th House Series event at AMF E. Meadow - Sunday, January 15th: Noon & 2pm. To view the results of the AMF Garden City tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Storm, Billvee Electric, Randi B.Siegle Law Offices and CLS Custom Upholsterers.