News

Transue Takes Down Viale For His Second Title Of 2025 And 11th Overall

Spare Time Northampton hosted NEBA for the first time with the Bowl Winkles Pro Shop Open singles event presented by Lia Cars. This event, also qualifier into the Vincent Hall Memorial Cup Series, took place on May 17th-18th and drew 139 entries across the three squads. Bowlers put their skills to the test on the 2024 Mark Roth PBA pattern which 42ft, 31.65 mls and 4.66:1 ratio. Leading scorer throughout the 5 qualifying games was Malik Grove with an outstanding 1275 (255 average). Your eventual champion and NEBA Hall-of-Famer, Joey Transue, joined the 32 person finals field with a score of 1173 to do battle in a single-elimination bracket.

In our first round the #9 seed, Transue would find him self up against a 2-handed in Tyler Inthanongxay. Joey, being no stranger to power would find his way to a 24 pin victory 224-200. Tyler’s early exit would be joined by notable players such as NEBA HOF player, Chris Sole and 2022 BOY Jay Johnson. Moving on we’d see more solid performances from Youth BOY, Sean Buck as well as Dennis Bissonnette fresh off his recent win at Nutmeg Bowl. In round 2, Transue would face off against a continuous threat in Frank Fuller. Frank was able to keep Joey within arms reach but ultimately fell to Transue (216-203). Joining Joey as we move into the round of 8 was Chris Viale who fired a perfect 300 game to advance as well as Pete Fox who added a 300 of his own during qualifying. Stepping into the ring for a bout with Transue in round 3 would be Gary Kurensky. A strong willed Kurensky would prove not enough against Joey with Transue taking another victory 216-200. Also in the round of 8 we would see Viale dispatch Bissonnette, Tarik Joyner move on against Nathan DeMello and Sean Buck continue the ride defeating Pete Fox. To this point, Joey had bowled consistent scores to earn him his wins but it is well known to the veterans that the semi-finals are when true competitors shine. The top 4 would have matches between Transue vs Joyner and Buck vs Viale. Early on in both matches it was apparent that the winners would be determined by who was able to get all ten down on the first shot consistently. The Tarik/Joey match remained tight through the first half with both players sharing in strikes and messengers. However, late issues with carry and splits from Joyner would allow Transue to close the match with authority 258-200 and move him into the championship finals. Viale would also punch his ticket by throwing a 6-bagger against Sean Buck giving him the 246-237 win.

Viale would look to join the 5-times club with a win while Transue would add to his impressive season so far with a 2nd title of the 2025 season and 11th title overall. To start the match, both competitors showed control of the pocket. Tipping the first half of the match toward the Viale camp was aided by quality shots from Chris and an uncharacteristic single pin miss by Joey. Transue pressed on by surrounding this open with strikes and a redemption spare on the 10 pin. A double would set up Transue for the 10th frame while Viale would make his final drive a road with carry issues. Chris finished out with a score of 225 which meant Transue would need a strike to claim his title. After the pins fell the next sound you heard was that of the 2025 Bowl Winkles Pro Shop Open singles champion, Joey Transue (248-225)!

Joey took home $1,250 plus and entry into this years TOC($125)! Chris would receive $800 for his runner-up efforts.

CHAMPIONS MESSAGE

“WOW Neba title #11! I certainly didn’t expect to be back in the winners circle so soon. Winning never gets old especially against the incredibly talented field we bowl against every month.

First off thank you to all of the Neba staff and sponsors for giving us a great place to compete each month. To Adam Ishman at Brunswick Bowling for continuing to allow me to represent the Hammer brand.

My tourney crew Melissa and Jay for always supporting me on the road. My family back home for always tuning in to the livestreams and more than likely screaming at the screens.

And finally to Chris Forry for meeting up with me a few weeks ago to give me another set of eyes and ears when I think I suck. I guess I should practice more. See you all at Callahans next month.”

We would like to thank our sponsor for this event, Bowl Winkles Pro Shop as well as Lia Cars for their $500 added to this events prize fund. We would also like to thank the staff at Spare Time Northampton for joining the list of centers dedicated to helping serve our NEBA members.

UP NEXT

We invite you all to a dual-event weekend starting with the Ace Mitchell O/U Doubles presented by GMS Decorative Concrete - $1,500 added to the prize fund on June 21st followed by the Many Styless of Bowling Open presented by GMS Decorative Concrete - $1,000 added to the prize fund on June 22nd.

Thank you to all of our members and sponsors. We could not continue to be one of the best tournament bowling organizations in the country without YOU!