Former snooker rating occasion finalist Dene O’Kane has died following a tragic accident at his house, the New Zealand Herald has reported.
It’s understood that 61 year-old O’Kane suffered a fall at his house 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 earth rankings throughout his profession as an expert snooker participant on the principle tour.
He received 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 occasions, 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, folks 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 completely 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 develop 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 house.”
“He at all times gave me his time and tried to go on as a lot recommendation as potential 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 at this time that Dene O’Kane has handed away.”
“I at all times bear in mind Dene. Once I first turned professional and the primary season I performed him, he stated some actually variety phrases about me and to me.
“He inspired me, and as a younger participant Dene was clearly somebody I appeared as much as. I watched him as I grew up.
“An absolute gentleman. It’s actually, actually unhappy, and my ideas are along with his household.”
Featured picture credit score: WSS
