Joey Testa “Jersey Joey” Captures His Second Consecutive Blaze Tour Finale as he Earns the Player of the Year Title

The 40th and final pro/am event of the Blaze 9-ball Tour season came to an end last weekend January 9-10 in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Fittingly, hometown player “Jersey Joey” Joey Testa capped off a remarkable season at host room Atlantic City Billiards.

Joey Testa is one of the hottest emerging professional players in the Tri-State Area and continues to be a dominant force in the Northeast. Joey has been picked up by Mezz Cues radar, who signed the Jersey native as a player representative.

“Jersey Joey” defended his title as he was crowned “Blaze Tour Finale Champion” for the second consecutive year.

A strong field of 73 players came out to play including “Get Some” Shaun Wilkie, Adam Kielar, Manny Chau, Eddie Abraham, Jorge Rodriguez, George Ginky San Souci,Victor  Nau, Wali Muhammad, Rob Pole and “Kid Delicious” Danny Basavich.  The finale also attracted several of the North East’s strongest Women including Caroline Pao, Liz Ford, and Erin McManus.

Leading the top half of the bracket was Adam Kielar, who went on a tear with wins over Shaun Wilkie (9-8), John Alicea (9-1), Larry Pearlman (7-3), Tony Rudi (7-1), Wali Muhammad (7-3)  and Eddie Abraham 9-6.

Joey Testa was on the top part of the bracket, going through Theresa Intelisano (7-4), Derek Schwager (7-5), Randy Schwager (7-3), Danny Basavich (9-6), and Manny Chau (9-8).

In the hot seat match-up, Adam Kielar was set to play Joey Testa. In great match between two heavyweights… Joey Testa came away with the “W” by way of a 9-6 score.  Adam was knocked over to the “One Loss Side” where he was matched up against Eddie Abraham, which was a rematch from earlier in the day.

Adam was able to regain his winning ways with a big 9-8 win over Eddie, setting up a rematch with Joey Testa.

The finals was a rematch set between Adam Kielar vs. Joey Testa, and with the true double elimination format… Adam had to defeat Joey 2 consecutive matches.

Joey came out of the gate aggressive and never let his early lead slip, as he capped off a great tournament in impressive fashion.

Through hard work and dedication to his craft, “Jersey Joey” went undefeated for consecutive years in the Blaze Tour Finale. Reflecting back on his Amazing season earning player of the year… Joey has several notable accomplishments throughout the year to think about.

Joey captured 8 Blaze Tour titles, 1 second, 3-3rds and 4-4th place finishes. It is clear that the phenom from NJ knows how to win, and the remarkable part of Joey’s demeanor is his humble nature, and no-quit attitude.

Joey Testa would like to thank Mezz Cues for all their support also special thanks Jose Garcia for all his help.

The Blaze Tour would like to thank all of its sponsors and the players that came out to support the Tour.

Payouts & Prizes: (Open/ Pro)

1st: Joey Testa $2250 +US  Open 9 Ball Championships paid entry + Trophy + cue stick

2nd: Adam Kielar $1250 + US Open 9 Ball Champion ships paid entry + Trophy + cue stick

3rd: Eddie Abraham $700 + Turning Stone Classic paid entry + cue stick

4th: Manny Chau $550

5th/6th:  George Ginky San Souci, Shaun Wilkie  $300

7th/8th/9th: Rob  Pole, Jorge Rodriquez, Danny Basavich  $160

The event also paid tracked and paid out winnings to an A/B group. Here is a quick overview of how it broke down…Victor Nau defeated Frank Bogush (7-1), then lost to Eddie Abraham (7-4), then defeated Steve Shaw (7-5), Rob Palm (7-5), Bruce Nagle (7-6), and Jorge Rodriquez (7-5),  before losing to Shaun Wilkie 7-0.  Victor Nau ended in 9th thru 12th over all in the tournament but first place out of all the players in the tournament who fell in the A/B grouping.

Payouts & Prizes for the A/B Group

1st:  Victor Nau $300  & Turning Stone Classic paid entry + Trophy + Pool Cue

2nd: Wali Muhammad $250 +Trophy + Pool Cue

3rd: Randy Jaragoske  $250 & Pool Cue

4th: Pete  Tascarlla Jr   $100 & Pool Cue

The finale also paid out prizes to the top C/D players in the event. Here is a quick overview of how it broke down... Nick Comstock defeated Ginky before losing to Bob Whitfield. Nick rebounded by defeating Erin McManus 7-3, Paul Johnson 7-6, and Randy Schwager 7-4 before losing to Randy Jaragoske 7-4. Nick Comstock ended in 13th thru 16th over all in the tournament, but first in the C/D group

Payout & Prizes for the C/D Group

1st: Nick Comstock $275  +  US Amateur entry  & Trophy & Pool Cue

2nd: Bob Whitfield $120 +  US Amateur  entry & trophy & Pool Cue

3rd: Larry Pearlman $100 + US Amateur entry & Pool Cue

4th: Rob Palm - US Amateur entry & Pool Cue