Australia is home to some of the world’s top snooker players. From seasoned professionals to young stars on the rise, Australia has a rich history of snooker talent. From the late 1980s to present day, the country has produced some of the best snooker players of all time.
Names like Neil Robertson, Graeme Dott, Neil Harvey, and Matthew Bolton are just a few of the distinguished Australian snooker players who have made an impact on the international snooker stage.
We will take a look at the best snooker players in Australia and their impressive achievements.
1. Neil Robertson
Neil Robertson is a highly decorated professional snooker player from Australia. He is a former world champion and held the world number one ranking for four consecutive years from 2010 to 2013.
Robertson has won a total of 20 ranking titles, including the 2010 World Championship, the UK Championship in 2013 and 2015, and the Masters in 2012 and 2016. He is also the first player to make a maximum break at the Masters tournament.
He has been a consistent performer throughout his career, reaching at least the quarter-finals of a ranking event in every season since 2005.
Robertson is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and has been credited with helping to popularize snooker in Australia.
2. Johl Younger
Johl Younger is a name that will go down in history when it comes to the sport of snooker. He was an Australian professional snooker player who made his debut in the professional sport in 1982 and quickly rose up the ranks.
During his career, he competed in numerous tournaments and even won a number of them.
He also made several appearances in the World Snooker Championship and the Australian Snooker Championship, where he was a finalist in both. Johl Younger was known for his competitive nature and his ability to stay cool in the most intense matches.
He was also known for his skill in potting, which helped him to make a name for himself in the world of snooker.
He was respected by his peers and was seen as a true champion of the sport. Johl Younger retired from professional snooker in 2003, but he is still remembered for the legacy he left behind.
He was an inspiration for many of the younger players who followed in his footsteps, showing them that success in snooker is possible. He will always be remembered as an Australian professional snooker player who truly left his mark in the sport.
3. Glen Wilkinson
Glen Wilkinson is a highly accomplished snooker player from Miranda, New South Wales, Australia. His outstanding talent has earned him the title of being the top ten ranked snooker player in Australia.
In addition to his impressive career as a professional snooker player, Glen Wilkinson is also a National Director of Coaching for snooker in Australia. His leadership and expertise have made him a highly respected figure in the snooker community.
With his extensive knowledge in the sport, he has moved up the ranks to become a National Director of Coaching for snooker in Australia. In this position, he is responsible for providing guidance and instruction to aspiring snooker players.
He is also in charge of creating courses and training programs to ensure that players have the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the sport. Glen Wilkinson’s dedication and contribution to the snooker community have made him a highly respected figure in the sport.
4. Kurt Dunham
Kurt Dunham is a name that will not be forgotten in the world of professional snooker. He is a former Australian professional snooker player who achieved a great deal of success during his career.
He was one of the most successful players of his time and achieved a number of impressive wins and titles. Dunham was born in Australia and began playing snooker at a young age, quickly rising to prominence in the sport.
He was known for having an excellent tactical approach to the game and was able to outwit his opponents with his smarts and skill.
He was also known for having an impressive break-building ability, which helped him capture numerous victories in tournaments. During his career, he won a number of prestigious titles, including the World Snooker Championship and the Australian Open.
He also won the Masters and the Grand Prix, making him one of the most successful players in the history of the sport.
He was also the first Australian to win the World Championship and the first player to win the Grand Prix. Kurt Dunham’s achievements on the snooker table have made him a true legend in the sport.
He is remembered for his impressive skill and tactical approach to the game and his impressive titles. He has left a lasting impression on the sport and will always be remembered as one of the greatest Australian professional snooker players of all time.
5. Norman Squire
Norman Powell Squire was an Australian snooker player who was born in 1909 in Christchurch, New Zealand. His father was a bricklayer and Squire attended a public school and a year of technical college in New Zealand.
In 1935, Squire decided to take the advice of Edward James O’Donoghue, a snooker player and emigrated to Sydney. O’Donoghue had seen Squire’s talent and wanted him to make the most of it.
After his arrival in Sydney, Squire went on to become one of the most successful snooker players in Australia. He was able to use his natural talent and the advice of O’Donoghue to make a name for himself in the snooker world.
Squire’s story is a great example of how talent, ambition, and the right advice can lead to success.
6. Anna Lynch
Anna Lynch is an incredibly talented and successful athlete and musician. She hails from Australia and is a professional English billiards and snooker player, as well as a professional jazz pianist.
Her impressive skills in both sports and music have made her a champion in both worlds. In 2019, she won the World Women’s Billiards Championship, making her the first Australian woman to win the title.
She has also performed in many jazz concerts, and her skill on the piano has been praised by many in the jazz world. She is an inspiration to everyone who wishes to pursue excellence in both sports and music.
7. Quinten Hann
Quinten Hann is a former professional snooker player from Australia. He was a successful competitor in a number of tournaments throughout his career, achieving major accomplishments in both the WEPF World Eight-ball Championship and the World Under-21 Championship.
In 1999, he won the WEPF World Eight-ball Championship, while in 1994 he was crowned the World Under-21 Champion. He also set the personal best of a 141 break at the 1997 Grand Prix tournament.
This impressive break was the highest of his career, and it helped to solidify him as a top-level snooker player. Quinten Hann’s success in the world of competitive snooker has been a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.
8. Ian Anderson
Ian Anderson is a renowned Australian former professional snooker player. He is well-known for his skillful playing and competitive spirit. He held the position of president of the World Pool-Billiard Association for a while and was successful in leading the organization.
Anderson has made a name for himself in the world of snooker and in the sports industry as a whole. His talents and achievements have been recognized by many, and he is considered a legend in the world of snooker.
He is also respected for his leadership and his drive to improve the game of snooker and the World Pool-Billiard Association. Anderson is a prime example of a great athlete and leader who has made a lasting impression on the world of snooker and the sports industry.
9. James Giannaros
James Giannaros is a former professional snooker player who hails from Australia. He has been involved in the sport of snooker for many years, having first started playing the game at a young age.
Giannaros has competed in several international tournaments and events over the course of his career, achieving some notable successes along the way. In particular, he was a runner-up at the 2010 World Snooker Championships, demonstrating his skill and talent in the sport.
Although no longer active in the professional snooker scene, Giannaros remains an influential figure in the game. He is a popular commentator and analyst in the snooker world, and regularly provides insight and analysis into the latest tournaments and matches.
He also coaches and mentors aspiring snooker players, helping them to develop their skills and reach their potential. In addition to his snooker career, Giannaros has also been involved in several other pursuits.
He has written several books on the sport, and is also a passionate advocate for animal welfare. His tireless work in both snooker and animal welfare has been recognized by many, with him receiving numerous awards and accolades over the years.
James Giannaros is a true testament to the power of dedication and hard work. He is an inspirational figure in the snooker world, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.
10. Robby Foldvari
Robby Foldvari is an accomplished player in the world of cue sports. He is a multi-year World Billiards Champion and a national-level champion in both snooker and nine-ball pool. His skills have earned him a place as a competitor at the World Games.
His success in the world of cue sports has enabled him to transition into a career as a coach and television commentator. Robby Foldvari’s skill and success in the world of cue sports is extraordinary.
He is a multi-year World Billiards Champion, a title that is no easy feat to obtain. Furthermore, he is a national-level champion in snooker and nine-ball pool, two of the most popular cue sports.
His talent has been recognized at the World Games, an international competition that only the best of the best attend. Apart from his competitive career, Robby Foldvari has also become a well-respected coach and television commentator.
He has utilized his experience and knowledge from the world of cue sports to advise and mentor others. His expertise in the sport has also earned him the opportunity to be a commentator for television broadcasts of cue sports tournaments.
Overall, Robby Foldvari is an accomplished player in the world of cue sports. His talents have earned him great success in competitions and have enabled him to transition into a career as a coach and television commentator.
His achievements are a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.
11. Kathy Parashis
Kathy Parashis is a prominent figure in the world of snooker. She hails from Australia and has won ten Australian Open titles in her career.
She is also a two-time runner-up at the IBSF Women’s Championship, which is one of the most prestigious snooker tournaments in the world. At the 2006 IBSF World Championships in Amman, Jordan, Parashis made it to the quarter-finals.
She put up a good fight but was ultimately eliminated by Anuja Thakur with a 4–1 score.
This achievement is a testament to the skill and determination that Parashis has put into her career. Parashis again reached the finals of the IBSF Women’s Championship in 2009, and while she was unfortunately unable to take home the first place prize, she was nonetheless proud of her performance.
Her successes in the world of snooker have earned her a lot of respect in the sports world. Parashis is an outstanding athlete and has continued to strive for excellence in the sport of snooker.
Her ten Australian Open titles and two runner-up titles at the IBSF Women’s Championship have earned her a well-deserved place in the annals of snooker history.
12. Warren Simpson
Warren Alwyn Simpson was a renowned Australian snooker player, known around the world for his impressive skill and technique. He was born in the early 1940s and started playing snooker as an amateur in the 1950s.
His skill and dedication paid off when he became the world amateur champion in the early 1960s. After his success, Simpson decided to turn professional and compete in the professional snooker circuit. Simpson’s professional career was just as successful as his amateur one.
He won several professional tournaments and gained a reputation as a formidable snooker player. He was known for his ability to read the table and make great shots.
Simpson was also a great teacher and mentor, and he helped many up and coming players learn the game and develop their skills. Simpson was a great ambassador for snooker in Australia and around the world. He was always willing to help others and was a popular figure in the sport.
He retired in the early 1980s but his legacy still lives on. He was inducted into the World Snooker Hall of Fame in 2017 and his name will forever be remembered as one of the greatest snooker players in history.
13. Leon Heywood
Leon Heywood was a prominent figure in the world of professional snooker. Born in Australia in 1968, Heywood was one of the country’s most successful snooker players. He began playing snooker in his teenage years and quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and talented player.
He represented Australia in several international tournaments and achieved a number of notable victories. Heywood was a four-time Australian Snooker Champion, winning the title in 1985, 1988, 1991, and 1994. He also won the Oceania Championship in both 1985 and 1989.
His highest ranking was 17th, and he was able to reach the quarter-finals of the World Championship twice. Heywood was a popular figure in the snooker world, and his influence extended beyond the game itself.
He served as a mentor to many younger players, and he was a vocal advocate for the promotion of snooker in Australia. He was also a talented writer, and authored several books on the game. Leon Heywood’s contribution to the sport of snooker was immense.
He was a talented and successful player who represented Australia in numerous international tournaments. He was also a mentor and advocate for the sport, and a talented writer. He was a respected figure in the world of professional snooker, and his legacy lives on today.
14. Steve Mifsud
Steve Mifsud is a professional snooker player and a dual citizen of Malta and Australia. He is one of the few players to have achieved success in the game at both a national and international level.
Born and raised in Malta, he moved to Australia to pursue his career in snooker. Mifsud has gone on to become one of the most successful snooker players of all time.
He has won a total of fourteen ranking titles to date, including five European Tour events and two World Championship events.
He was also the first player in history to win a ranking event in both Europe and Australia. Steve Mifsud is also renowned for his impressive technique and tactical play.
He is known for his ability to take the initiative away from his opponents and to control the pace of the game.
His style is characterized by aggressive potting, precise safety play, and an ability to stay cool under pressure. In addition to his snooker career, Steve Mifsud has also been actively involved in various charity initiatives.
He has supported numerous causes, including the Maltese Mental Health and Wellbeing Association, the Maltese Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine, and the Malta Paralympic Committee.
He is also a patron of the Malta Snooker Academy, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the game of snooker in the country. Steve Mifsud is an example of what can be achieved when passion and dedication are combined with hard work and determination.
He is a great inspiration to aspiring players and a testament to the potential of dual citizens to achieve success in the world of sport.
15. Warren King
Warren King was a professional Australian snooker player who had a successful career during the 1980s and 1990s. During the 1985/86 season, he achieved his highest ranking position, which was 35th. He was also the runner-up in the 1990 Classic, a major snooker tournament.
Unfortunately, he lost to Steve James in the final, with the score of 6-10. Despite not winning the 1990 Classic, Warren King was still an incredibly successful snooker player.
His career highlights included his highest-ranking position, which was an impressive achievement, as well as his runner-up finish in the 1990 Classic. He was also well-known for his competitive spirit and skill.
His success in the sport is an inspiration for aspiring snooker players.
16. Ben Judge
Ben Judge is a name that will forever be remembered in the world of snooker. He was a professional snooker player from Perth, Australia. Judge had a long and successful career, spanning over a decade, playing on the professional snooker circuit.
He achieved a great deal of success, winning several tournaments and even reaching the semi-finals of the World Snooker Championship in 2002. Judge was known for his aggressive playing style and his ability to read the game and make the right shots.
He was also renowned for his powerful break building which enabled him to win many matches.
Judge was also a great motivator and was often seen encouraging his fellow players to perform at their best. Judge was a great ambassador for the game of snooker in Australia and around the world.
He was a popular figure in the Australian snooker community and was respected by everyone he encountered. His legacy will live on and he will be remembered as one of the greatest snooker players to come out of Australia.
17. Ryan Thomerson
Ryan Thomerson is a rising star in the world of professional snooker. He started his career in 2022, when he won the Asia Pacific Championship. This victory earned him a two-year tour card for the 2022–23 and 2023–24 snooker seasons.
This means he is able to compete in all of the major tournaments, both domestic and international, during this period. The tour card is an important milestone in any professional snooker player’s career.
It gives them access to the best competitions, and allows them to gain invaluable experience that will help them reach the highest levels of the sport.
Thomerson is already off to a great start, and with the right attitude and dedication, he could one day become a world champion. It’s clear that Thomerson has a bright future ahead of him.
He has already proven himself to be a talented player, and with a two-year tour card at his disposal, he has a prime opportunity to continue honing his skills and competing against the best in the world.
Only time will tell if he can achieve greatness in the sport, but one thing is for sure: Ryan Thomerson is a name to keep an eye on in the world of professional snooker.
18. Tammy Cantoni
Tammy Cantoni is an Australian semi-professional pool and snooker player who has achieved great success throughout her career. She has won multiple national championships in the women’s divisions of both snooker and nine-ball.
Her success has earned her a great deal of respect and admiration from her peers and fans alike. Cantoni first made a name for herself in the pool and snooker world when she won the National Championship in the women’s division of snooker.
This victory showed not only her skill and dedication to the sport but also the potential she had to become a successful professional player. Following this success, she went on to win the National Championship in the women’s division of nine-ball.
This was an impressive feat that cemented her status as a top-level player. In addition to her success in the sport, Cantoni is also a highly respected figure in the Australian pool and snooker community.
She is seen as a mentor and role model for aspiring female players, and her enthusiasm for the game is infectious.
Her dedication to the sport is inspiring, and her hard work and accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. Overall, Tammy Cantoni is an impressive pool and snooker player who has achieved great success in the sport.
Her victories in the National Championships in the women’s divisions of snooker and nine-ball have earned her a great deal of respect and admiration. She is seen as a mentor and role model for aspiring female players, and her dedication to the sport is an inspiration to all.
19. Paddy Morgan
Paddy Morgan is a former professional snooker and English billiards player from Australia. He was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland before moving to Coventry, England in 1960.
He is well-known for his skill in the sport and has competed in a number of international tournaments. Morgan started his career as a professional snooker player in the late 1970s, earning him a spot in the UK Snooker Championship in 1981.
He went on to become the Scottish Masters Champion in 1985 and the Irish Masters Champion in 1987.
He also won the English Billiards Championship in 1989. Throughout his career, Morgan was known for his unique playing style which earned him a lot of respect from fellow players and fans alike. He was known for his smooth and precise shots which made him a crowd favorite.
He was also known for his calm and collected demeanor which enabled him to maintain focus during tough matches. Overall, Paddy Morgan was a successful professional snooker and English billiards player. He gained a lot of respect for his unique playing style and calm demeanor.
He was a crowd favorite and competed in a number of international tournaments, winning the Scottish Masters Championship in 1985 and the Irish Masters Championship in 1987, as well as the English Billiards Championship in 1989.
20. Shawn Budd
Shawn Budd is a highly accomplished snooker and pool player whose successes and achievements have spanned across multiple countries.
He has won the Australian Open Snooker, Australian National Snooker, Australian 9 Ball, and 8 Ball titles, making him the only Australian snooker player to do so.
His wins have not only been limited to Australia; he has also won tournaments in New Zealand, England, and America.This is a remarkable feat and speaks to the level of talent and skill that Shawn Budd possesses.
He has demonstrated his excellent ability to play both snooker and pool, and his top-tier performances across a variety of countries reflects his strong understanding of the game.
His wins have solidified his place in the world of snooker and pool, and his victories will be remembered for many years to come.
21. Vinnie Calabrese
Vinnie Calabrese is a former professional snooker player from Campbelltown, New South Wales in Australia. He had a successful career as a professional snooker player, which included several regional and international titles.
Calabrese was based in Cambridge with fellow Australian Neil Robertson during his professional snooker career. During this time, the two players trained and competed together. However, Calabrese has since moved back to Australia, returning to his hometown of Campbelltown.
He currently works as a snooker coach, mentoring young players and helping them to reach their goals. Calabrese is still very popular in the snooker world, and his presence is still felt in the sport.
He is an inspiration to aspiring players all over the world, and his successes continue to be remembered.
22. Matthew Bolton
Matthew Bolton is a highly accomplished billiards player from Australia. He has achieved great success on the English billiards scene, becoming one of the most successful players in the country.
His skills have also been recognized internationally, resulting in him becoming a professional snooker player in 2017.
Bolton has made a name for himself as a successful billiards player over the years, and his ability to succeed in both English billiards and snooker has made him a formidable competitor in both sports.
He is a respected player with a strong commitment to excellence, and his ambition and dedication have been rewarded with success.
Conclusion
The best snooker players in Australia are those who have consistently demonstrated excellence in their game, by achieving high rankings and a strong record of success.
These players have shown that they have the skill, determination, and dedication to make them some of the top snooker players in the world.
It is clear that these players have the potential to continue to make a great impact on the sport of snooker in Australia for many years to come.
