Champion
Andre McDuffie
Bonus
Tournament Champion
Shawn CummingsGarden City, NY: Andre McDuffie, a 26-year-old professional race car driver, won the LIGBT House Shot Championships at AMF Garden City. Andre won his 5th LIGBT title by defeating the scratch champion, Mithrandir Loutan, a 16-year-old student from Rosedale, NY 281-269 in the final shootout. Andre earned $2,500 for his victory while “Mith” earned a $1,500 SMART scholarship as the runner-up. Finishing in third place, with a 233, was Sal Palazzola, Bayside, NY earning $1,000. The 4th spot was taken by another student, 17-year-old Jason Lam, from Oakland Gardens, NY with a 211 earning a $750 SMART scholarship. Rounding out the top 5 was Sun Kim, Hicksville, NY with a 196 worth $500.
The final shootout was dominated early by Andre throwing 7 strikes in a row after he spared in the first frame. Mith, who was getting 0 handicap since he represented the scratch division, threw 10 strikes out of 12 to force Andre to mark in the 10th to win. Andre calmly struck out to secure the big title.
In addition to the main event the LIGBT ran a bonus event for members competing in 8+ house shot events during Season 16. Shawn Cummings, Middle Village, NY posted an incredible 807 series in his 2nd squad and the series held up to win the $1,000 top prize. Finishing in 2nd place, and earning $500, was Samantha Galardi, Islip, NY with a 787. Third place went to Rob Miller, Manorville, NY with a 748 worth $250. It took a 718 to cash in the 11-person $2,680 prize list.
The LIGBT House Shot Championships attracted 176 entries generating a $13,080 main event prize fund ($4,320 added by the LIGBT.) A total of 60 bowlers cashed in the 4-squad tournament and bonus tournament. The side action awarded an additional $5,795 bringing the total event payout, including the bonus tournament, to $26,795. Scores to cash on the house shot pattern were competitive: 684-745 in the 49 & under handicap division, 701-725 in the senior handicap division, and 683-726 in the scratch division. There were two 300 games shot over the weekend; Nick Falsetta and Chris Russo achieved perfection.
LIGBT’s next tournament is the start of Season 17; a sport shot tournament at AMF E. Meadow on Sunday, October 20th. To view the results of the House Shot Championships please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Randi B. Siegle Law Offices, Turbo Grips, and W.O.N. TV network.