News

New Hyde Park, NY:  Monique Compton, an executive assistant from the Bronx, won her first LIGBT title and $1,000 this past Sunday at Herrill Lanes. Monique, who has been an LIGBT member since 2013, defeated senior Sal Florindo 240-224 in the final shootout to earn her first title. Sal, who is 76 years young, earned $500 for his runner-up position. Rounding out the top 4 was third place finisher Jackie Delawski, Williston Park, NY with a 223 worth $300 and fourth went to Maniram Basdeo, Bronx, NY, with a 194 worth $250.

The final shootout, which was competed on the US Open pattern, was low scoring with spare making at a premium. Monique took the early lead by filling her first five frames while the other competitors all had opens. Despite the fact Monique had two splits in her last 5 frames no one could mount a charge. In fact there wasn’t a double the entire shootout!

The Herrill Lanes event drew a nice crowd of 110 entries, advanced 21 bowlers to the finals and paid out $4,500. The tournament pattern was “the 2016 US Open” (40 feet) resulting in a low cut score of 690 for both squads. High series of the tournament was shot by Curtis Hetmeyer, Brooklyn, NY with an 810 in the 3:30pm squad. The wildcard winner was last event’s champion Diane Allen, Fleetwood Station, NY with a 1327 six game series. The high handicap series without bonus pins pot winners were Dave Soren, Long Beach, NY with a 671 in the first squad and Denis Mendelson with a 680 in the 3:30pm squad. Guy Sereno, W. Hempstead, NY hit the no-tap jackpot in the first squad and earned $170. No one hit the jackpot in the second squad so it will roll over to our next event and be worth $220.

LIGBT’s next tournament is a 1 in 4 sport shot event at AMF Wantagh on Sunday, March 26th. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,000-$500-$300-$250 with 1 in 4 each squad advancing to the finals. Entry fees are $80 & $70 and that includes the no-tap jackpot. To view the final results of the Herrill Lanes event please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Torch Bowling, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.

Astoria, NY:  Diane Allen, a special education teacher from NYC, won her first LIGBT title by defeating James Puma, Valhalla, NY 233-230 at Astoria Bowl. Diane earned $1,000 for her victory while James earned $500. Rounding out the top 5 was third place finisher Julio Arnold, Woodside, NY with a 221 worth $350, fourth went to Tom Gulin, Middle Island, NY with a 207 worth $300 and fifth went to senior bowl Max Thomas, Stamford, CT with a 199 worth $250.

The final shootout was a great match and it took until the last shot to determine who would be the champion. To win her first title Diane had to overcome a 5^th frame foul, which lead to an open frame, and put her behind the leaders. Julio had the early lead but chopping two 6-10 spares cost him the title. James threw the ball great but couldn’t get a double. Diane needed a spare and 8 in the final frame and completed the task with a last ball strike. 

The Astoria Bowl house shot tournament drew a nice crowd of 120 entries, advanced 21 bowlers to the finals and paid out $4,660. The tournament pattern was “Bourbon Street” resulting in expected high cuts: 766 at 1pm and 783 at 3:30pm. High series of the tournament was shot by the champion Diane with an 871 in the 3:30pm squad. The wildcard winner was Michael Rodriquez, Jackson Heights, NY, with a 1508 six game series.

LIGBT’s next tournament is a sport shot event at Herrill Lanes on Sunday, March 12^th. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,000-$500-$300-$250 and 1 in 6 each squad will advance to the finals and earn a minimum of $100. Entry fees at Herrill are $70 & $60.  To view the final results of the Astoria Bowl event please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Torch Bowling, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.

Pictured above: Weldon Drayton and daughter Brianna

Babylon, NY:  Weldon Drayton Jr., a 33 year old police officer from Central Islip, NY won his second LIGBT title at AMF Babylon on Sunday. Weldon defeated left-hander David Ruiz, Whitestone, NY, 258-250 to earn the $1,000 top prize. While David earned $500 for second, third place went to Wayne Garvey, Manchester, CT with a 240 worth $350. Rounding out the top 4 was senior Frank Lunghi, Farmingdale, NY with a 212 worth $300.

The road to Weldon’s second title started slowly. When Weldon opened in the 4^th frame he was behind 14 pins. But a triple in the middle of the game put Weldon ahead and he never relinquished the lead. David finished strong with a late triple but his 3 open frames in the middle of the game hurt his shot at his first LIGBT title. Wayne bowled a consistent game with only one open but couldn’t throw a double to make a shot at the title.

The AMF Babylon tournament drew an incredible crowd of 163 entries, advanced 32 bowlers to the finals and paid out $6,210. The tournament pattern was “Boardwalk” (35 feet) resulting in moderate cut scores: 710 at 1pm and 706 at 3:30pm. High series of the tournament was shot by Wayne Garvey with an 885 in the 1pm squad. The wildcard winner was Jin Hong, Jamaica, NY with a 1390. The high handicap series without bonus pins pot winners were Jason Nicholas with a 710 in the first squad and TJ Kim with a 669 in the second squad. Two women were added to the finals due to the women guarantee: Evelyn Arena (709) and Jennifer Bocchicchio (703). The no-tap jackpot was hit by third place finisher Wayne Garvey in the first squad and paid $634 giving him a total payout for the day of $984.

LIGBT’s next tournament is a house shot event at Astoria Lanes on Sunday, March 12^th (1pm & 3:30pm.) The event features guaranteed prizes of $1,000 & $500 with 1 in 6 each squad advancing to the finals. Entry fees are $70 & $60 for members. To view the final results of the AMF Babylon event please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Torch Bowling, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.

Wantagh, NY:  TJ Kim, a 46 year old right hander from Mineola, NY won his first LIGBT title by defeating senior Frank Lunghi, Farmingdale, NY 249-223 at AMF Wantagh. TJ, who has been a member since 2015, earned $1,000 for his victory while Frank, who was looking for his 3^rd LIGBT title, earned $500. Rounding out the top 4 was third place finisher Barry Dubin, Selden, NY with a 220 worth $300 and fourth went to Adam DeRossi, Massapequa Park, NY with a 189 worth $250.

The final shootout was a good one as Frank started with a double to take an early lead. He held onto the lead until he missed an easy spare in the 7^th frame. TJ started the match slow with 2 opens in his first 3 frames but stayed clean the rest of the game. When TJ doubled in the 10^th he secured his first LIGBT title and the $1,000 top prize. Barry had two doubles but his 4 opens hurt his chances. Adam struggled the entire match and had to settle for fourth place.

The AMF Wantagh tournament drew a great crowd of 137 entries, advanced 37 bowlers to the finals (better than 1 in 4), and paid out $6,240. The tournament pattern was “Turnpike” (41 feet) resulting in a low cut score of 680 for both squads. High series of the tournament was shot by Seung Yoo, New York, NY with a 789 in the 3:30pm squad. The wildcard winner was Jimmy Walsh with a 1344 six game series. The high handicap series without bonus pins pot winners were John Coughlan, Lindenhurst, NY with a 674 in the first squad and Adam DeRossi with a 664 in the 3:30pm squad. No one hit the no-tap jackpot in either squad so it will grow to $634 at the next event.

LIGBT’s next tournament is a sport shot event at AMF Babylon on Sunday, March 5th. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,000-$500-$300-$250 and 1 in 6 each squad will advance to the finals and cash for a minimum of $100. Entry fees are $70 & $60 and that includes the no-tap jackpot. To view the final results of the AMF Wantagh event please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Torch Bowling, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.

Plainview, NY:  Johnny Kim, a 32 year old hardware store owner from Fresh Meadows, NY, won LIGBT’s Winter Major at AMF Plainview. Johnny captured his first LIGBT title by defeating Cameron Potts, Babylon, NY 254-251 to earn the $3,000 top prize. While Cameron won $1,500 for second, finishing third was Eddie Cintron, Laurelton, NY with a 240 worth $750. Rounding out the top 4 was Abel David, Franklin Square, NY with a 232 earning him $500. 

The Winter Major shootout started out slow as there were 7 opens in the first 3 frames. After everyone’s nerves settled down most of the frames were filled and everyone except Abel through at least a double. Going into the final frame Eddie could have doubled to win the title but got a nine to settle for third. Cameron struck out his last 2 frames to climb from third to second earning an additional $750!.

The LIGBT Winter Major drew a great crowd of 288 entries plus 30 desperado entries. A total of 61 bowlers cashed in a prize fund that paid $16,664. WTBA’s “Seoul” pattern was used and scoring was moderately high with cuts ranging from 709 to 758. High series of the tournament was shot by Steven Kelly, Islip, NY with an 836 in the Sunday 4pm squad.

The “No-Tap” jackpot was hit 3 times by: Alby Pezzella for $232 on Friday at 8pm, Maniram Basdeo for $48 on Saturday at 6pm, and Jayson Glick for $54 on Saturday at 8pm. No one hit the jackpot on any of the Sunday squads so it rolls over to the next event and will pay close to $500!

LIGBT’s next tournament is at AMF Wantagh on Sunday, February 26^th (1pm & 3pm.) Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,000, $500, $300 and $250. One in 4 each squad advances to the finals and will cash for a minimum of $80. Entry fees are $80 & $70. For complete results of the Winter Major please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Torch Bowling, Knockout Ball Cleaner, Randi Siegel Law Offices, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.

E. Islip, NY:  

Randy Johnson, a UPS driver from Bayport, NY won the $1,000 top prize at LIGBT’s house shot event at East Islip Lanes. Randy defeated second place finisher Shawn Harding, Central Islip, NY 280-265 in an exciting final match. While Shawn earned $500 as the runner-up, third went to Antoine Thurston, New York City, with a 258 worth $300. Rounding out the top 4 was Tony Naccarato, E. Islip, NY with a 236 worth $250. All 4 shootout finalists were looking for their first LIGBT title.

The East Islip house shot event was one of the highest scoring tournaments in LIGBT history. The shootout was filled with strikes with Randy and Shawn dominating the match. When both bowlers opened in the 8^th frame it left Randy with a 15 pin lead with 2 frames to go. Shawn struck in the 9^th but failed to strike in the final frame giving Randy his first LIGBT victory. 

The East Islip Lanes house shot event drew 87 entries, advanced 15 bowlers to the finals, and paid out $3,350. The house shot produced incredibly high cut scores: 798 at 1pm and 849 at 3pm. High series of the tournament was shot by Weldon Drayton Jr., Central Islip, NY with a 984 (807 scratch) series in the 1pm squad. There were 4 perfect games bowled; Andrew Mienkiewicz, Massapequa, NY, Jason Nicholas, Wantagh, NY, Lou Morgan, Amityville, NY, and Tyler Guerin, Bayshore, NY. The wildcard winner was Wesley Snider, Dix Hills, NY with a 1601 six game block.

LIGBT’s next tournament is a 3-day “Winter Major” at AMF Plainview. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $3,000-1^st, $1,500-2^nd, $750-3^rd, & $500-4th. One in 6 will cash for a minimum of $100. Entry fee is $80 per squad. For complete results of the East Islip Lanes tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Torch Bowling, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.

Plainview, NY:  The LIGBT ran its annual Super Bowl 5-game marathon at AMF Plainview and crowned 2 champions. Steve Kelly, Islip, NY won the handicap title worth $1,000 and John Rizzi, Bayshore, NY won the scratch title earning $500. A total of 108 entries generated a $7,985 payout to 34 different bowlers.

The scratch shootout was exciting and came down to the final frame. John needed a strike on his first ball to win and he put “10 in the pit!” John finished with a 238, two pins ahead of second place finisher Craig Koppell, Syosset, NY who shot a 236 and earned $250. Finishing in third was the qualifying leader Anthony Fusco, W. Hempstead, NY with a 221 worth $200 and fourth went to Johannes Schulz, Plainview, NY with a 200 earning him $150. 

The handicap shootout was dominated by Steve Kelly who earned his second consecutive LIGBT handicap title. Steve threw the only clean game and finished with a 285. The real competition was for second place as the other 3 finalists were within a few pins of each other. Frank Spano, Brentwood, NY threw 3 strikes in the final frame to secure second by one pin over third place finisher Shui Lee, Forest Hills, NY (237-236). Frank earned $500 while Shui took home $300. Finishing one pin behind third, and only 2 out of second was fourth place finisher Johannes Schulz with a 235 worth $250.

The Super Bowl marathon drew a great crowd of 108 entries (83 handicap/25 scratch) and paid out $7,985. The tournament pattern was “Easy Street” (40 feet) resulting in a handicap cashing score of 1261 and a final shootout cut score of 1334. The scratch cashing score was 1155 and the cut to make the shootout was 1183.

LIGBT’s next event is on Sunday, February 12th at East Islip Lanes. This will be LIGBT’s monthly house shot event with guaranteed top prizes of: $1,000-$500-$300-$250 and all finalists (1 in 6) guaranteed a minimum of $100. For complete results of the AMF Plainview marathon please visit www.ligbtour.com. 

Wantagh, NY:  Steven Kelly, a 31 year old right hander from Islip, NY won his first LIGBT title by defeating James Marino, Lindenhurst, NY 251-245 at AMF Wantagh. Steve, who has been a member since 2009, earned $1,000 for his victory while James, who finished second for the 3^rd time, earned $500. Rounding out the top 4 was third place finisher Julio Arnold, Woodside, NY with a 231 worth $300 and fourth went to senior bowler Jose Ferreira, also from Woodside, NY with a 226 worth $250.

The final shootout was a tight match until the end. Julio, who was giving everyone at least 18 pins in handicap, started out strong with two doubles in the first six frames. But he missed single pin spares in the 7^th and 9^th frames ruining his title hopes. James had an early triple but he opened in the last 3 out of 4 frames to finish second. Steve won the title with consistency as he had an early open but marked in every frame the rest of the way to secure his first victory.

The AMF Wantagh tournament drew a nice crowd of 124 entries, advanced 33 bowlers to the finals (better than 1 in 4), and paid out $5,760. The tournament pattern was “Middle Road” (39 feet) resulting in moderate cut scores: 723 at 1pm and 715 at 3:30pm. High series of the tournament was shot by Steve Baum with an 816 in the 3:30pm squad. The wildcard winner was Donald Eubanks with a 1406. The high handicap series without bonus pins pot winner was Sal Florinda with a 706 in the first squad. Rich Patson won the no-tap jackpot for $310 in the first squad.

LIGBT’s next tournament is our annual Super Bowl Marathon. This 5-game scratch and handicap tournament features a 1 in 4 prize list and will be held at AMF Plainview on Sunday, February 5^th at NOON. Entry fee is $100 and includes the high game pots. To view the final results of the AMF Wantagh event please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Torch Bowling, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.