After ranking among the top 20 in the world in the 1980s and making it to the World Snooker Championship quarterfinals twice, O’Kane rose to fame. At the age of seventeen, he won the title of New Zealand champion and went on to win more domestic and international titles until turning professional in 1984.
Dene O’Kane, a snooker legend, passed away at the age of 61 after a terrible accident at his New Zealand home. The NZ Herald reports that the sportsman, who was acclaimed as the “greatest New Zealander to pick up a cue,” passed away at Auckland Hospital on Tuesday following a fall at his Waiheke Island home.
Before retiring in 2001, he won eight championships in New Zealand, two in Australia, and two Oceania Championships, totaling prize money of over £415,000. In 2004, 2005, and 2008, O’Kane went on to win three World Masters Championships.
He was the best New Zealander to learn how to cue, according to his friend Bernie Endres, owner of Masse Cue Sports, who spoke with Stuff. Simply put, a dominant presence in cue sports.
Not only will it leave a huge void for us, but also for cue sports in New Zealand. He won’t be replaced, in my opinion, at least not in the snooker world.
It’s really difficult to succeed in that sport. Dene’s ability to accomplish it from the other side of the globe, far from his family, without any money, and by playing people in clubs in order to make ends meet was astounding. It was very amazing to persevere and get a spot on the pro circuit.Most people would recognize Dene O’Kane when you spoke his name. Back then, he had such a large following. Cue sports have always benefited from his increased visibility and legitimacy. He kept pitching in to assist with younger programs and was always willing to lend a hand when we needed it.”
