Garden City, NY:  Derek Brandi, Whitestone, NY won the $1,000 top prize in LIGBT’s 5 Game Handicap Marathon held on New Year’s Day at AMF Garden City. Derek was the leading qualifier with a 1253 handicap series and threw a 226 in the final shootout to claim the title. Finishing second was Osaze Morris, Rahway, NJ with a 218 earning $500. Rounding out the top 4 was third place finisher Fred Jankowsky, Staten Island, NY with a 205 worth $350 and fourth place went to Monique Compton, Bronx, NY with a 193 earning her $250.

The scratch shootout champion was Joe Scianna, Oakdale, NY, who qualified third with a 1077 series and won the title by shooting a 231 in the shootout worth $350. Finishing 2^nd in the scratch event was John Rizzi, Bayshore, NY with a 214 worth $225. Rounding out the top 4 were Alex Henry, Sayville, NY with a 184 worth $175 and fourth went to Shoghi Lawsin, Astoria, NY with a 161. Shoghi was the leading qualifier with an 1111 5-game block. 

Both shootouts came down to the last frame to determine a champion. In the handicap shootout Fred Jankowsky needed a triple in the 10^th to tie Derek but he threw a 9 count to end his title hopes. John Rizzi needed a double in the final frame to win the scratch event but a solid 10 pin cost him the title.

The AMF Garden City New Year’s Day marathon drew an incredible crowd of 136 entries (112 handicap/24 scratch) and paid out $9,470. The tournament pattern was “Broadway” (37 feet) resulting in a handicap cashing score of 1152 and a final shootout cut score of 1222. The scratch cashing score was 986 and the cut to make the shootout was 1062.

LIGBT’s next marathon will be Super Bowl Sunday (February 5^th) at AMF Plainview. LIGBT’s next sport shot event is on Sunday, January 8^th at AMF E. Meadow. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay; $1,000-$500-$300-$250 and all cashers (1 in 6) guaranteed a minimum of $100. For complete results of the AMF Garden City marathon please visit www.ligbtour.com. 

Dear LIGBT Member:

BIG changes are coming to the LIGBT! After a very successful Fall Tour we are happy to announce our Winter/Spring Schedule. The LIGBT will be offering events almost every weekend and introducing several new programs.  Bob and    I are always monitoring the club to make sure EVERYONE has a chance to win. We appreciate all of your input and believe the new rules/programs will make the events fairer (lower cut scores) & more fun for ALL bowlers (more ways to cash.)

Starting with our January 8th event at AMF East Meadow LIGBT events will add more bowlers to the finals, offer more ways to cash, and award bonuses to our VIP members. All this is being done without raising the regular event entry fees!
  

Bonus Pins, Averages and Qualifying “Extras”

• You will now earn 1 bonus pin per game for each squad you don’t cash with a maximum of 2 per game earned in a Maximum bonus pins will be 12 per game (36 total.) “If you currently have more than 36 bonus pins you will keep all of them until February 15th.When you make the finals you will lose 6 bonus pins per game and all of your bonus pins if you advance to the second round.
  

      •  BONUS PINS WILL NOW BE USED IN THE FINALS!

• LIGBT averages will now be based on YOUR LAST 50 ELIGIBLE GAMES (it was the last 100 games).
  

• At least one senior (50+) will be guaranteed in the final shootout. If no senior makes the shootout the last remaining senior in the finals will be added and bowl for the top
  

     •  A $10 optional pot guarantees the bowler with the highest handicap series
           “without bonus pins” EACH SQUAD will be added to the finals.

• We will be running a monthly sport shot event that advances 1 in 4 per squad to the finals!
  

Bowler Loyalty Programs

• Any bowler that competes in at least 3 events between majors will be considered a If a VIP wins a major they earn the full top prize ($3,000). If a non-VIP wins they earn $2,000 and $1,000 is rolled over to the next major!
  

• VIPs pay less at the Super Tournaments! We are running two $5,000 top prize events (Memorial Day & Labor Day ) Anyone that bowls in at least 6 events between now and May 21st will save $20 per entry at these special events.
  

• No-Tap Jackpot! The 2nd game of every sport shot squad will have a no-tap jackpot that is included in your Bowlers averaging 175 & under have to throw an 8 or better in all 10 frames to win the jackpot. Bowlers over 175 must throw a 9 or better. If no one hits the jackpot it rolls over to the next sport shot tournament.
  

• The LIGBT will now have a “Points List” tournament. Our first one will run during the July 4th major and all members that bowl a minimum of 12 events the next 6 months will be Up to $5,000 will be added to this invitation only event which will feature a 1 in 2 cashing ratio!
  

Since more bowlers are being added to the finals the guaranteed top prizes will now pay: $1,000-1st, $500-2nd, $300- 3rd, $250-4th. All bowlers in the finals are guaranteed at least $100 ($80 in events paying 1 in 4) & the 1pm squad leader is guaranteed $150. If a senior is added to the shootout 5th place will pay at least $250 and 4th will be increased.

We hope you like the new concepts. Again, our goal is to lower the cut scores, add more bowlers to the finals, and give everyone a chance to win once they make the finals.

Thanks for the great support & happy holidays! We hope to see you at AMF Garden City on New Year’s Day for our scratch and handicap 5-game marathon. (Turn over for marathon details.)

Plainview, NY:  Robert Aiello, a 22 year old plumber from Oceanside, NY won LIGBT’s annual holiday tournament at AMF Plainview. Robert defeated Dexter Sapp, Valley Stream, NY 248-230 to win his first LIGBT title and the $1,500 top prize. While Dexter won $750 for second, Darcy Monroe, E. Meadow, NY finished third with a 215 worth $500. Rounding out the top 4 was James Puma, Valhalla, NY with a 212 worth $300.

The final shootout involved 3 bowlers looking for their first title against Dexter who owns the most LIGBT titles with 7. All four bowler’s handicaps were within 10 pins of each other so whoever bowled the highest scratch game was probably going to win. Three out of four bowlers had a triple and an open by the fifth frame keeping the match close. But when Robert doubled in the 8^th and 9^th frames he secured his first LIGBT title.

The AMF Plainview holiday tournament drew a record crowd of 200 entries, advanced 39 bowlers to the finals, and paid out $8,365. The tournament pattern was “Broadway” (37 feet), a challenge shot, resulting in cut scores of: 740 at noon, 747 at 2pm and 764 at 4pm. High series of the tournament was shot by third place finisher Darcy Monroe with an 824 in the second squad. Wildcard winners were John Petrizzi, Massapequa, NY (1456) and Rich Patson, Lindenhurst, NY (1446.)

LIGBT’s next tournament is our annual New Year’s Day Marathon (scratch and handicap). This 5 game event features a 1 in 4 cashing ratio. Entry fee is $100 and includes all high game pots. For complete results of the AMF Plainview tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Torch Bowling, Knockout Ball Cleaner, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.

Farmingdale, NY:  Pak Wong, a 50 year-old postal worker from New York City won the $3,000 top prize at LIGBT’s Thanksgiving Major at Farmingdale Lanes. Pak won his first LIGBT title with a 25 pin victory over Michael Cahill, Mastic Beach, NY 236-211. While Michael earned $1,500, third place went to Joe LaBargo, Bayside, NY with a 206 worth $750. The final spot in the shootout went to Tom Pagliaro, Westbury, NY with a 192 worth $500.   

The Thanksgiving Major shootout was a good one as the handicaps were close and 3 out of the 4 players were looking for their first LIGBT title. Pak got off to a quick start by striking in his first 4 out of 5 frames. Joe and Michael stayed within 10 pins but when they both opened in the 9^th frame Pak knew he had won his first LIGBT title. The race for second place wasn’t decided until the final shot as Joe needed a strike but left a 7 count giving Michael second place. 

The LIGBT Thanksgiving Major drew a great crowd of 262 entries plus 33 desperado entries. A total of 51 bowlers cashed in a prize fund that paid $14,500. WTBA’s “Montreal” pattern was used and scoring was moderate with cuts ranging from 727 to 740. High series of the tournament was shot by Karl Nystrom, East Meadow, NY with an 836 in the Sunday noon squad. Justin Kampf shot a perfect 300 game in the second round of the finals.

LIGBT’s next tournament is its annual “Holiday” event at AMF Plainview on Sunday, December 4^th (noon-2pm-4pm.) Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,500, $750, $500 and $300. One in 6 each squad advances to the finals and will cash for a minimum of $100. Entry fees are $75 & $65. For complete results of the Thanksgiving 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.

Pictured above: GM Lou DeMartino and Champion Joe LaBargo

Wantagh, NY:  Joe LaBargo, a 26 year old right hander from Bayside, NY won his second LIGBT title at AMF Wantagh. Joe defeated James Dickerson, Norwalk, CT 241-216 to win the $1,200 top prize. While James won $600 for second, Justin Kampf, Levittown, NY finished third with a 215 worth $400. Rounding out the top 4 was Maniram Basdeo, Bronx, NY with a 190 worth $300.

The final shootout was an even match right from the start. All four bowlers were LIGBT title holders and their handicaps were within 9 pins of each other. Joe, by avoiding any open frames, stayed close and when he doubled in the 5^th & 6^th frames he opened a lead that was never relinquished. James had a strong finish but a stone 8 pin in the 10^th frame ruined his chance at a comeback victory.

The AMF Wantagh tournament drew a nice crowd of 106 entries, advanced 20 bowlers to the finals, and paid out $4,700. The tournament pattern was “Boardwalk” (35 feet) resulting in moderate cut scores: 720 at 1pm and 727 at 3pm. High series of the tournament was shot by Ron Hatchett, New York, NY with an 815  in the second squad. The wildcard winner was Rob Foerster, E. Meadow NY with a 1428. The women bonus winner was Nancy Villavicencio, Whitestone NY with a 699.

LIGBT’s next tournament is our annual Thanksgiving Major. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $3,000-1^st, $1,500-2^nd, $750-3^rd, & $500-4th. One in 6 each squad advances to the finals and cashes for a minimum of $100. Entry fee is $75 per squad. For complete results of the AMF Wantagh tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Torch Bowling, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.

Astoria, NY:  Justin Kampf, a 20 year old ball driller and student from Levittown, NY, won the LIGBT house shot tournament at Astoria Bowl on Sunday. Justin defeated Dennis McMillan, Jamaica, NY 255-249 to win the $1,200 top prize and his second LIGBT trophy. While Dennis earned $600 for second, Joe Martinez, Brooklyn, NY earned $400 for finishing third with a 227. Rounding out the top 4 was Rob Foerster, E. Meadow, NY with a 219 worth $300.

The final shootout was well bowled and tense throughout the entire match. It became a two man race by the 8^th frame between Dennis and Justin. Dennis had a 10 pin lead in the 7^th frame but Justin evened the match with a double in the 8^th & 9^th frames. It all came down to the 10^th with Justin needing a strike to win the match. Justin’s ball went high leaving the 3-6-10 but miraculously the pins all fell giving him a lucky but well deserved victory.  

The Astoria Bowl house shot event drew 128 entries, advanced 22 bowlers to the finals, and paid out $5,360. The tournament produced cut scores of: 750 at 1pm and 767 at 3:30pm. High series of the tournament was shot by Dennis McMillan with an 840 (including a 299 game) in the second squad. There was one perfect game and it was shot by George Williams, Brierwood, NY in his first game of the second squad. The wildcard winner was Lenny Nguyen, Flushing, NY with a 1499 six game block.

LIGBT’s next tournament is a sport shot event on Sunday; November 20^th at AMF Wantagh. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,200-1^st, $600-2^nd, $400-3^rd, & $300-4th. One in 6 will cash for a minimum of $100. Entry fees are $70 & $60. For complete results of the Astoria Bowl tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Realty Direct, Freedom Mortgage, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.

New Hyde Park, NY:  Guy Sereno, a 40 year old Solar City Field Technician, won both the LIGBT scratch and handicap tournaments at Herrill Lanes. The handicap victory gave Guy his second LIGBT title, worth $1,200, and he did it in grand fashion; shooting a 310 (290 scratch) in the final shootout. Finishing in second place was Robert Rowe III, Edgewater, MD, with a 286 earning him $600. Rounding out the top 4 were third place finisher Jarret McMillan, Jamaica, NY with a 273 worth $400 and fourth place finisher James Marino, Lindenhurst, NY with a 253 worth $300.

The final shootout began with Guy down 47 pins due to the handicap difference but he quickly made up the shortfall with a long string of strikes. Guy left a blowout 7 pin in the first frame and struck the rest of the way. Jarret was bowling well until he opened in the 7^th frame which hurt his title hopes. Robert bowled almost as well as Guy but a 4-6 split in the 6^th frame made his title hopes difficult. Robert still could have won the match if Guy had opened in the final frame and he doubled. But when Guy struck in the tenth the match was over as he won his second tournament of the day and a total of $1,780.

The Herrill Lanes handicap event drew a great crowd of 128 entries, advanced 22 bowlers to the finals, and paid out $5,220. The USBC White #2 pattern produced cut scores of: 767 at 1pm and 786 at 3:30pm. High series of the tournament was shot by Dexter Sapp, Valley Stream, NY with a 903 (which included a scratch 300 game) in the second squad. The wildcard winner was Dave Soren, Long Beach, NY, with a 1513 six game block.

The bonus scratch event also drew a nice crowd of 40 entries and paid a 10 person prize list of $1,920. Guy Sereno won the scratch tournament with a 733 series. Finishing second with a 716 was Mike Perrone, Deer Park, NY. It took a 653 to cash in the scratch event.

LIGBT’s next handicap tournament is a house shot event on Sunday; November 13^th at Astoria Bowl. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,200-1^st, $600-2^nd, $400-3^rd, & $300-4th. One in 6 will cash for a minimum of $100. Entry fees are $70 & $60. LIGBT’s next scratch event is the Sandy Catalano Open at Herrill Lanes on November 5 & 6. For complete results of the Herrill Lanes tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Realty Direct, Freedom Mortgage, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.

Levittown, NY:  Weldon Drayton Jr., a 33 year old Suffolk County police officer from Central Islip, NY won his first LIGBT title in a high scoring shootout. Weldon defeated 7-time LIGBT champion Dexter Sapp, Valley Stream, NY 294-281 to win the $1,200 top prize. While Dexter won $600 for second, James Marino, Lindenhurst, NY finished third with a 244 worth $400. Rounding out the top 4 was John Battaglia, Massapequa, NY with a 218 worth $300.

The final shootout had 3 non-champions and LIGBT’s most decorated winner. It became a David and Goliath story by the fifth frame as Weldon and Dexter kept throwing strikes at each other leaving the other two finalists behind. Weldon’s lead was due in part to his larger handicap and when he struck in the 10^th frame he secured his first LIGBT title.  

The S. Levittown house shot event drew 71 entries, advanced 12 bowlers to the finals, and paid out $3,460. The house shot event produced very high cut scores: 784 at 1pm and 824 at 3:30pm. High series of the tournament was shot by Hector Perez, Whitestone, NY with an 867 in the second squad. The wildcard winner was our second place finisher Dexter Sapp with a 1537 six game block.

LIGBT’s next tournament is a sport shot event on Sunday; October 30^th at Herrill Lanes. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,200-1^st, $600-2^nd, $400-3^rd, & $300-4th. One in 6 will cash for a minimum of $100. Entry fees are $70 & $60. For complete results of the S. Levittown Lanes tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Realty Direct, Freedom Mortgage, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.