By Elliott West
“My advice to anyone on the main tour is to try your best not to fall off it because there is no guarantee you will get back on”.
Shokat Ali
Introduction
Shokat Ali was a professional snooker player from 1991-2007. A man who had Pakistani heritage but was born in Accrington in 1970. A player who rose to a high of 34 in the world rankings and reached one quarter-final in his time on the main tour. A trailblazer for those in the Asian community, Shokat helped snooker become an inclusive sport, appearing on an episode of the snooker game show Big Break in 1996 and becoming the first Pakistani player to win it.
Career
Shokat’s best achievement was when he reached the quarter-finals of the 2001 Thailand Masters ten years into his professional career. A feat where he defeated Ronnie O’Sullivan on route. Although he first made an impression on the main tour when he beat Jimmy White 5-4 and Ken Doherty 5-3 to reach the last 16 of the 1998 Grand Prix. A tournament where he eventually lost to Dave Harold and was whitewashed 5-0. He also had a very good run in form in 1999.
With career earnings of over £240,000 and a highest break of 139 in professional play, Ali reached the final of the non-ranking 1996 China Masters losing to another snooker veteran, Liverpool’s Rod Lawler 6-3. He did however have two victories with his proudest moment coming in 1998 where he defeated Sam Chong in the final of the Asian Games 7-6 and received a gold medal. He also won an individual bronze medal at the 2001 World Games in Akita, Japan. Shokat went on to win the 2008 International Open Series-Event 3, beating Michael White.
After a dip in form, caused mainly from when he had his cue stolen from his drive at home, Ali eventually fell off the main tour in 2007. However, after a sixteen-year absence made a step closer to becoming a professional again when he won the 2008 International Open Series at Pontin’s, Prestatyn, beating Michael White 6-3 with a 130 break in the fourth frame. Ironically this win was accredited to the purchase of a new cue for £40. One that had been the choice after playing with a multitude of cues at the Elite Snooker Club in Preston which he ran with Stuart Pettman. A fine player and another one of those professionals that just didn’t quite make it.
