Former snooker rating occasion finalist Dene O’Kane has died following a tragic accident at his dwelling, the New Zealand Herald has reported.
It’s understood that 61 year-old O’Kane suffered a fall at his dwelling on Waiheke Island earlier than being taken to hospital, the place he sadly died on Tuesday.
O’Kane reached as excessive as quantity 18 on the planet rankings throughout his profession as an expert snooker participant on the primary tour.
He gained the 1980 New Zealand Beginner Championship and a 12 months later was a runner-up to Dean Reynolds in Junior Pot Black.
O’Kane later turned professional in 1984 – a standing he held for the perfect a part of 20 years.
He certified to compete on the Crucible Theatre six instances, memorably reaching the final eight of the World Snooker Championship in each 1987 and 1992.
In 1989, he missed out on a maiden rating title by a single body as he was pipped to glory by Mike Hallett in a nail-biting conflict to find out the Hong Kong Open champion.
In the identical 12 months, O’Kane was additionally a member of the Remainder of the World group that completed as runner-up to England on the World Cup.
After his retirement from snooker, he started working in actual property, though he competed on the 2019 World Seniors Snooker Championship.
With the unhappy information beginning to unfold on Wednesday morning, individuals from the world of snooker have begun to supply their condolences and tributes.
“I’m waking as much as the awfully unhappy information of the passing of Dene O’Kane,” Neal Foulds wrote on social media platform X.
“One of many good guys. When he came to visit from New Zealand in 1980 for Junior Pot Black, he was instantly totally different from the remainder of us in a great way.”
“All the time had a contact of sophistication about him. Relaxation in peace Deno.”
Neil Robertson, from neighbouring Australia who has since turn into essentially the most profitable participant from outdoors the UK within the recreation’s historical past, additionally paid tribute.
“Very unhappy to listen to this information,” the Melbourne man wrote. “Dene was actually supportive of me again dwelling.”
“He at all times gave me his time and tried to move on as a lot recommendation as doable as we got here from the identical a part of the world.
“Very stylish participant and man. Relaxation in peace.”
Former Shoot Out champion Michael Holt stated: “Some actually unhappy information as we speak that Dene O’Kane has handed away.”
“I at all times keep in mind Dene. Once I first turned professional and the primary season I performed him, he stated some actually type phrases about me and to me.
“He inspired me, and as a younger participant Dene was clearly somebody I regarded as much as. I watched him as I grew up.
“An absolute gentleman. It’s actually, actually unhappy, and my ideas are together with his household.”
Featured picture credit score: WSS
