E. Meadow, NY: The LIGBT kicked off 2025 with a 2-squad house shot tournament. Gary Kurensky, Milford, CT came out of the scratch division to win his first LIGBT event and the $1,200 top prize. Gary earned the NYD title by defeating 50 & over handicap finalist Peter Kelton, Holtsville, NY 245-238. Peter earned $800 for 2nd place. Third place was taken by senior handicap bowler Rich Martinez, Howard Beach, NY with a 218 worth $600. The 4th spot in the shootout was 49 & under handicap bowler Greg Edwards, Westbury, NY with a 209 worth $400. Rounding out the last 2 positions was Ed Ziemak, Thiells, NY with a 196. Ed advanced to the shootout from both the scratch and 49 & under handicap divisions earning a total of $650.
The final shootout quickly became a 2-man battle between Gary and Pete. Gary struck in his first 7 out of 8 frames to jump ahead of Pete even though Pete had a 25-pin handicap advantage. When Pete doubled in his 7th/8th frames it forced Gary to mark to win the title. Gary converted a 2-pin spare and raised the $1,200 winner’s check.
The LIGBT NYD event drew 190 entries and paid out a $9,155 prize fund to 51 cashers. The side action awarded an additional $4,280 bringing the total event payout to $13,435. Scores to cash on the house shot varied by division. The scratch cuts ranged from 698-727. The 49 & under handicap cuts ranged from 689 to 718. The 50 & over handicap cuts were 700-709. Wildcard winners were Don Pendleton, Staten Island, NY (1,418), Nas Freeman, Cambria Heights (1,382), and Ryan Lashlee, Hopewell Junction, NY (1,434.)
LIGBT’s next tournament is a 2-squad sport shot event at AMF Garden City, Sunday, January 19th. To view the results of the NYD event please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Randi B. Siegle Law Offices, Turbo Grips, Many Styles of Bowling, and W.O.N. TV network.