Garden City, NY: The LIGBT ran a 2-day House Shot Major at AMF Garden City and the event was won by Leon Kessee Jr., Hempstead, NY. Leon won his first LIGBT title by defeating Azeem Austin, South Ozone Park, NY 238-228 in the final shootout. Leon earned $2,000 for his victory while Austin, who was also looking for his first LIGBT title, won $1,000 as the runner-up. Finishing in third place with a 222 was youth bowler Mithrandir Loutan, Rosedale, NY earning a $500 SMART scholarship. Finishing in both 4th and 5th place, as a representative of both the senior handicap and scratch divisions, was Johnny Cummings, New York, NY with a 216 earning a total of $700. Rounding out the top 6 was Rob Miller, Manorville, NY with a 212 worth $300.
The final shootout was a great match as the champion wasn’t decided until the final frame. Leon and Azeem were tied going into the 10th and both were on 9th frame strikes. Leon grabbed the title by striking in the 10th while Azeem threw a 9-count. The battle for the last 4 spots was just as intense as the other competitors were separated by under 10 pins going into the final frame. Mithrandir threw his final 4 strikes to grab onto third place. Johnny bowled solid, shooting a clean game and took 4th and 5th place. Rob bowled well but had an open in the 6th frame and finished in 6th place.
The LIGBT House Shot Major drew 209 entries and paid out an $11,710 prize fund to 57 cashers. The side action awarded an additional $4,560 bringing the total event payout to $16,270. Scores to cash on the house shot varied by division. The scratch cuts ranged from 696-719. The 49 & under handicap cuts ranged from 679 to 721. The 50 & over handicap cuts were 669-726. The wildcard winners were Kim Harris (1,436), Guy Sereno (1,437), Leon Kessee Jr. (1,370), Joe Scianna (1,306 & 1,318) and Ed Eng (1,407.) High series of the tournament was shot by Mark Ferrara, Massapequa Park, NY with an 813 (798 scratch.)
LIGBT’s next tournament is a Handicap Doubles event AMF E. Meadow, Sunday, March 16th (noon start.) To view the results of the House Shot Major 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.