STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Don’t look now, but Jim Elliott’s New Year Singles Classic turns 50 this year!
Can’t be right?
No, it’s true.
The 50th rolling of the annual event will commence Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, with two qualifying squads slated for 1 and 2:30 p.m. at Rab’s Country Lanes.
“I wish to thank you for participating in the past Classics and making it successful for 50 years,” wrote Elliott in his annual letter to perspective bowlers. “I hope this year’s event will be both enjoyable and profitable for you.”
Qualiying continues Jan. 4, Jan. 10 and Jan. 11, also at 1 and 2:30 p.m. each day.
The Top-24 finals in the borough’s longest running open bowling event will be contested Jan. 17 at 3 p.m.
“To insure equal opportunity the top two scores from each squad will be guaranteed in the finals, producing eight finalists each weekend for a total of 16 after the four qualifiers,” said Elliott. “The next eight highest scores will make up the balance of the finalists. The top eight overall qualifying scores will again be given a bye in the first round. You can be 24 in qualifying and still win the tournament.”
As always, tournament director Jim Elliott reports that the event’s popular opening qualifier — where paid entrants get a second entry for free — is nearly sold out.
The entry fee is $60. The format consists of bowling three games across six lanes. Handicap is 70 percent of a 220 average. The finals are scratch.
The top two high rollers from each qualifier (16) will be seeded into the finals as well as the next eight high series for a total of 24 finalists.
Staten Island’s Jeff Scire is the defending champion, winning his second straight crown after trying for decades to win his first after accomplishing everything else there is to do in the sport.
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EXTRA FRAME: Reservations must be fully paid in advance for the first squad. The entry fee is $60 and may be forwarded to Just for Kicks, 91 Lincoln Ave., Staten Island, N.Y. 10306. You may call 718-667-5120 for more information. Please DO NOT make checks to Just for Kicks.