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 5th & 6th frames he opened a lead that was never relinquished. James had a strong finish but a stone 8 pin in the 10th 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 $3,000-1st, $1,500-2nd, $750-3rd, & $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.