SNOOKER legend Dene O’Kane has died following a tragic accident at his home in New Zealand.
The sportsman – hailed as “the greatest New Zealander to pick up a cue” – was 61.
O’Kane died in Auckland Hospital on Tuesday after reportedly suffering a fall at his home on Waiheke Island.
The snooker champ became a household name after breaking into the world top 20 in the 1980s.
He turned professional in 1984 after becoming the New Zealand snooker champion at the age of 17.
O’Kane moved to the UK to chase his dream as a pro and played against stars such as Steve Davis and Jimmy White.
He went on to win ten titles in New Zealand, two Australian opens and two Oceania championships. – rising as high as 18th in the world rankings.
To add to his impressive portfolio, O’Kane also scooped three World Masters Championships in 2004, 2005 and 2008.
During his time as a pro, he pocketed a tidy £415,000 in earnings.
Speaking in 2022 told local outlet Stuff, O’Kane said: “You go through a lot, internally.
“Mentally and emotionally. But you just have to overcome those feelings and thoughts.
“It’s almost like there’s a wall of pressure, and either you break through it and play well or you succumb to it.”
In 2007, O’Kane started a career in real estate – but was never too far from a table and continued to play, featuring in exhibition tournaments all over the world.
He also acted as chairman of premier cue club Masse.
His secretary Bernie Endre told Stuff: “He was the greatest New Zealander to pick up a cue.
“Just a massive presence in cue sports.”
