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 3rd 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 7th 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 10th 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.