The LIUSBC Island Bowling Supply Masters Tournament got off to a bang last night, with one squad of qualifying followed by 2 more squads today at AMF East Meadow Lanes. And, as you could have probably predicted, many of the familiar names we've all grown accustomed to seeing find themselves in tomorrow's finals. Tomorrow's final bracket will consist of the Top 8 from each squad plus 8 additional at-large qualifiers competing in a one-game, double elimination format. And wait until you get a load of some of the upcoming matches!
Friday's first squad started with Levittown's own Justin Kampf leading the way with a 1,289 for the 6 game round. Tim Lau, who was struggling but garnered some much needed advice from 4th place qualifier Rob Gotterbarn, finished in 2nd at +58. Michael Ruben finished 3rd (+30). The last 4 to make the cut from the first squad were recent Bowlage Columbus Day Eve winner Gary Haines (+9), Ryan Dimaggio (+8), Paul Bajorski (-9) and Christopher Cappellini (-12).
This morning's second squad was more of the same, with Ian Lang paving the way at +206 followed by Michael Martell at +97. Rounding out the Top 8 qualifiers were Jeremy Milito (+60), Kurt Schall (+47), Adam Chase (-4), Scott Kampf (-17), Greg Freed (-33) and Noah Axinn (-40).
And this afternoon's Round 3 produced some heavy hitters as well, with fellow PBA bowlers Alex Cavagnaro (+179) and Darren Andretta (+63) qualifying first and second. Mr. 262 average himself Joe Novara started very slowly with a 498 for the first 3 games, but, using the 900 Global Zen Master, he fought back with the only perfect game 300 of qualifying to finish 3rd at +46. The other qualifiers from the 3rd squad were Anthony "AA" Arias (+37), James Wallace (+15), Samuel Kaplan (-8), Matthew Atria (-14) and Michael Dioguardo (-27).
The 8 at-large finalists were Darren Barlow (-29), Ray Collins (-35), Kevin Chernoff (-35), Casey Sparacio (-36), Chris Viale (-38), Eric Smyth (-40), Adam Zimmerman (-44) and Drew Esposito (-46).
And tomorrow's finals bracket (posted below) will feature some more solid action, with first round matches Gotterbarn vs. Scott Kampf, Cavagnaro vs. Zimmerman, Arias vs. Barlow, Martell vs. Smyth and many more. Will Justin Kampf win title #2? Maybe Ian Lang will take home #3? Only time will tell. May the best man win!
