East Meadow, NY: The LIGBT ran its annual Memorial Day Weekend Major at AMF E. Meadow and crowned a first-time champion. Ralph Stieveling, Bay Shore, NY defeated Joe Ceruzzi, Rye Brook, NY 273-268 to win his first title and the $2,000 top prize. While Joe earned $1,000 for 2nd place, Pak Wong, New York, NY took 3rd place with a 222 worth $800. Rounding out the top 5 was 4th place finisher Alex Rosen, Old Bethpage, NY with a 218 worth $600 and 5th place finisher Ron Cheselka, Holbrook, NY with a 216 earning $500.
The final shootout quickly became a 2-person match as Ralph and Joe were never separated by more than 10 pins. Joe, representing the scratch division, started with 8 strikes while Ralph, representing the 50 & over handicap division, had 2 doubles and only trailed by a few pins due to his 47-pin handicap advantage. When Ralph tripled in the 9th frame, and Joe’s string of strikes ended with a 10-pin, the lead switched and ended with Ralph winning his first title. The last 3 spots in the shootout were very close with Alex taking 3rd with a triple in the middle of the match.
The LIGBT Modified House Shot Major drew 232 entries and paid out a $13,245 prize fund to 63 cashers. The side action awarded an additional $7,345 bringing the total event payout to $20,590. Scores to cash on the house shot varied by division. The scratch cuts ranged from 601-671. The 49 & under handicap cuts ranged from 685 to 714. The 50 & over handicap cuts were 705-722. High series of the tournament was shot by Ray Williams, Brooklyn, NY with a 792. Andrew Mienkiewicz, Dix Hills, NY shot the only 300 of the tournament. Three youth bowlers cashed; Jalen Hamilton earned a $250 SMART scholarship, Chris Sim, Queens Village, NY earned a $150 SMART scholarship, and Kelly Fogarty, Westbury, NY earned an $85 SMART scholarship.
LIGBT’s next tournament is a 2-squad sport shot event at AMF E. Meadow, Sunday, June 1st (noon & 2pm.) To view the results of the Memorial Day Weekend Major please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Randi B. Siegle Law Offices, Turbo Grips, and Many Styles of Bowling.