On the weekend of June 9-10, Brooklyn’s Gotham City Billiards hosted a special two-day Tri-State Tour event… making it even more special with $2,500 in added prize money. This event had a entry limit of sixty-four players, which was filled for the kickoff on Saturday afternoon.
While New Jersey player Rich Ng has had a number of top finishes on tour as of late, victory had eluded him since his last win in June, 2011, at his home room Sandcastle Billiards.
However, Ng broke through at Gotham on June 10, as he worked his way through the bracket to an undefeated win.* On his route to the finals, Rich Ng defeated Edward Ng 7-3, Raul Reyes 7-5, Paul Raval 7-0, Alex Osipov 7-5, Scott Bannon 7-6, and Mike Harrington 7-6 in the hot seat match.
The top four final players in the winner’s bracket would also turn out to be the top four final finishers in the event.* Following their final four losses, Scott Bannon and Mike Strassberg went on to defeat Carl Yusuf Khan and Meshek Daniel, respectively.
Scott Bannon then eliminated Mike Strassberg in the quarterfinal (9-5), but Bannon was one-upped by Mike Harrington in the semifinal, with a final score of 7-6 in Harrington’s favor.
This win earned Mike Harrington a rematch in the final against Rich Ng. The finals started out in a close heat and the two tied it at 3-3.* However, Ng pulled away to win the next four straight games to take the victory at 7-3.
Mike Harringon (2nd), Rich Ng (1st), and Gotham Billiards owner Isabel Buckley

In speaking with Rich Ng about his breakthrough win, he attributed his success to his will to never quit. “I was down early in some sets, and battled and battled to win those sets I was down in,” said Rich.
Rich also mentioned that he has dedicated his win to his uncle Douglas Chin, who passed away a few years ago. “He loved playing straight pool and was a very good 3 Cushion player,” said Rich. “Before he passed, he gave me his old Schon which I use, so ever time I play in tournaments or practice, he is always there for me!”
Congratulations to Rich Ng on a great win, along with 2nd and 3rd place finishers Mike Harrington and Scott Bannon.
Tri-State Tour staff would like to recognize Kevin and Isabel hosted a great event in their beautiful room, as well tour supporters Sterling Gaming, Ozone Billiards, Ron Tarr Cues, Kamui Tips, Phil Capelle, BlueBook Publishing, Human Kinetics for their sponsorship leading to this event.
Payout: *
1st: Richard Ng – $1,385
2nd: Mike Harrington – $930
3rd: Scott Bannon – $620
4th: Mike Strassberg – $450
5th/6th: Carl Yusuf Khan, Meshak Daniel – $290
7th/8th: Alex Osipov, Lou Loria – $200
9th-12th: Borana Andoni, Rhio Anne Flores, Rick Shellhouse, Andrew Cleary – $150
…
In addition to The Tri-State Tour event, a qualifier for the upcoming BEF (Billiard Education Foundation) Junior National Championships was held at Gotham City Billiards that weekend, which was co-sponsored by Bill Hoffman.
Two qualifier events for the Junior National Championships held, for the 18-15 year old age group and the 14 and Under age group.
Pictured below are the winners and runners-up, who will go on to compete in BEF Nationals, which will be held in Milwaukee, WI at Romine’s High Pockets on July 11-15. Click here to read more about the big event featuring the best young players in the US.
Room owner Kevin Buckley, 14 and Under Division runner-up Robert Buckley, and winner Thomas Rice

18 to 15 winner Brendon Halloc, runner-up Sam Hoffman, and event sponsor Bill Hoffman



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