'ASTONISHED'
Who is World Snooker Championship star Dominic Dale? All about the Spaceman
Plus, what Dominic said about qualifying for the biggest tournament in the sport
DOMINIC Dale is one of the most eccentric characters in the history of snooker.
The Spaceman has qualified for the 2024 World Snooker Championship — here we take a look at his life, career and net worth.
1
Who is Dominic Dale?
Dominic was born on December 29, 1971 in Coventry, England.
He is a snooker player who also works as a commentator and presenter.
His highest world ranking was 19 during the 2000/2001 season.
Dominic was part of the victorious Welsh team at the Nations Cup in 1999, which also lost in the final of the event a year later against England.
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For the first time in a decade, Dominic has qualified for this year's World Snooker Championship, which will be the 10th time the Welshman has appeared in the sport's showpiece competition.
This makes him the oldest qualifier since Steve Davis in 2010 thanks to a 10-8 win over China's He Guoqiang.
Following his landmark victory, he said: "I am astonished actually.
"I was 9-6 up and had a couple of golden chances but I wasn’t nervous.
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"It’s been so long since I played in a match of that magnitude, not necessarily financially but to get back to the Crucible.
"I couldn’t have dreamt at my age that I could play well enough to get there.
"You’ve got to play so many matches to qualify now and I sometimes wonder if I’m capable enough, but luckily tonight I was."
Dominic's first appearance at the world championships came way back in 1997, when he beat Tony Drago in his first match before being eliminated by John Higgins in the second round.
His best results at the Crucible were in 2000 and 2014 when he reached the quarter-finals on both occasions — losing to Northern Irishman Joe Swail and Kent's Barry Hawkins.
When is Dominic Dale competing in the World Snooker Championship?
The 2024 World Snooker Championship gets underway on Saturday, April 20, with the final on Monday, May 6.
It is being held at the tournament's home since 1977, the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, which is renowned for its tense and unique atmosphere.
Dominic will be facing off against the world's top players, including defending champion Luca Brecel, for the most coveted title in the sport.
What tournaments has Dominic Dale won?
Here are the titles Dominic has lifted in his career so far:
World Snooker Tour (WST) ranking events:
- 2007/08: Shanghai Masters
- 1997/98: Grand Prix
WST minor-ranking events:
- 2010/11: Players Tour Championship Event 6
Non-ranking events:
- 2013/14: Snooker Shoot Out
What is Dominic Dale's net worth?
Reports of Dominic's net worth are scarce.
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As of 2024, Peopleai.com estimates' the Spaceman's fortune to be roughly £27.1million.
He has made his money competing as a professional snooker player, as well as working as a presenter and commentator for both the BBC and Eurosport.
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