So it’s no surprise the 57-year-old Australian star jumped at the chance to play at the inaugural Ron Atkins Classic in three months’ time.

Boasting $12,000 prizemoney, the ABSC national ranking tournament will be shared between Country Club Tasmania and the Launceston Worker’s Club from May 18-20 and will mark a welcome foray into the field of snooker for Foldvari.

The reigning Australian Open eightball champion, who will be available for coaching sessions during his visit, said he was looking forward to getting his teeth stuck into the tournament. 

“I don’t really play many snooker tournaments these days but I thought I’d support the event,” Foldvari said. 

“I knew Ron Atkins when he was in Melbourne and he helped me a bit in my career and I knew his wife Leanne.

“When I was very young I made a 615 break in English billiards and he was there and he said ‘I think that’s a world amateur record’ and he saw under those current rules it was.

“So he got me a world record break really which I’m indebted to – in one way he helped sanction it.”

When he’s not on the table, Foldvari is involved in public speaking and has recently taken on commentating duties for Fox Sports’ snooker broadcasts.

The two-time Australian world cup captain recently took the headset at the Goldfields tournament in Bendigo and could be called on to help commentate in Launceston depending on coverage. 

Foldvari said a return to Tasmania next year could also be on the cards depending on his schedule. 

“You never know.

“Leanne’s a friend of mine and I know quite a few people in Tasmania so hopefully I can get down there, it’s a nice place.

“My first overseas trip was to Tasmania - I played in the Victorian Andrews-Atkins Shield in Ulverstone when I was about 16.”

For more information on how to book snooker, billiards or pool coaching sessions, email rfoldvari@cuesport.com.au