Name Changes, But Reputation Doesn't

By Bill Rosenberger

In 2004, The Hampton Ridge East Coast 9-Ball Tour took the Northeast by storm, with large added pots and impressive end-of-year prizes.  The 2005 tour will be just as good, but the name has changed to Gallery Billiards East Coast 9-Ball Tour.

The sponsor, Galley Billiards, is a pool hall in Allentown, PA, where a number of the events will be played this year.  However, tournament director Jose Burgos indicated that tour stops would also take place in New York City, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and possibly in the Maryland/Washington, D.C. area.

The first event is scheduled at Master Billiards in New York City at the end of February and will kick off a season filled with over 30 tour stops.  Each event is guaranteed to have an added of at least $1,000, with the finale having at least a $7,500-added pot.

Last year's championship included prizes to the top points winners-trips to Allen Hopkin's Super Billiards Expo in March, cash, and cue sticks.  The overall points champion for the 2005 season will receive a paid entry into the 2006 Skins Billiard Championship.  Burgos also said the complete schedule will be released by January 28.

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