"Behind the 8 Ball" The story of New Zealand's only snooker world class professional.

Born in 1963 in Christchurch Dene and his family moved to Auckland in 1970 where he attended Auckland's Northcote College. In 1974, like many New Zealanders, Dene became enthralled with "Pot Black" on TV. But unlike any other 11 year old Dene decided that he would become a world champion snooker player and starting practicing in earnest.

Practicing in "earnest" in the O’Kane household involved young Dene shooting table tennis balls with a broomstick on a table tennis table covered with a blanket. At about this stage Dene also discovered that the local library had books on snooker and he permanently rented "Spencer on Snooker" among their books. This book taught young Dene the techniques that carried him to world success.

His first snooker cue cost him $12.00 and he was ready. In 1980 Dene become the youngest ever NZ snooker champion at the ripe old age of 17. (Today Dene uses a cue that cost him $3,000.00)

But Dene was running out of competition in New Zealand and in 1980 headed for the home of snooker - England. Still an amateur 1981 and 1982 saw Dene win a number of titles but earn no money. In 1983 he returned to New Zealand and sick of living from “hand to mouth” decided to turn professional in 1984.

Dene played at world championship level, for 17 years, until retiring in 2001. He achieved top 8 ranking in world championships and the incredible ranking of 11 in the world.

Today Dene O'Kane resides in Auckland where is actively involved as a master coach for the NZ billiard confederation. As a master coach Dene coaches the snooker coaches in New Zealand for the Confederation.

Like many minority sports in New Zealand Dene receives greater recognition overseas than in New Zealand but you can avail yourself of Dene and his wonderful story of overcoming the odds and achieving world class status in a true world sport.

And if it’s a good laugh you want Dene can regale you with what really happens on the snooker world tour. Not to be missed.

Dene also relates his success to basic principals which can be incorporated into any personal or corporate experience.

And if that's not enough you can organise a function at Auckland's “Auckland Club” and Dene will show you what made him famous on the beautiful snooker tables on the top floor. Put your best team up against Dene and while he gives them a giant start (and a hiding) he will tell you what snooker is all about. And how the lessons of snooker can be applied to business success. Who knows he may even throw in a few trick shots.

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For more information contact Speakers New Zealand