Dene O’Kane has died aged 61

SNOOKER legend Dene O’Kane has died after a tragic accident at his home in New Zealand.

The athlete – hailed as “the greatest New Zealander to ever pick up a cue” – was 61 years old.

O’Kane died in Auckland Hospital on Tuesday after reportedly falling at his home on Waiheke Island.

The snooker champion became a household name after breaking into the world top 20 in the 1980s.

He turned professional in 1984 after becoming New Zealand snooker champion at the age of 17.

O’Kane moved to the UK to pursue his dream as a professional, playing against stars such as Steve Davis and Jimmy White.

He went on to win ten New Zealand titles, two Australian Opens and two Oceania Championships. – Rise to number 18 in the world rankings.

To add to his impressive portfolio, O’Kane also won three World Masters Championships in 2004, 2005 and 2008.

During his time as a professional he earned a whopping £415,000.

Speaking in 2022, O’Kane told local outlet Stuff: “They’re going through a lot internally.”

“Mentally and emotionally. But you just have to get over those feelings and thoughts.”

“It’s almost like there’s a wall of pressure and you either break through it and play well or you succumb to it.”

In 2007, O’Kane launched a career in real estate – but was never too far from the table and continued to play and compete in exhibition tournaments around the world.

He also served as chairman of the Premier Cue Club Mass.

His secretary Bernie Endre told Stuff: “He was the greatest New Zealander to take a cue.”

“Just a massive presence in the cue sport.”