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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, having just one player of that age is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six world players have entered their sixth decade.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan became professionals in 1992, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. Stephen Hendry, holding the record alongside Ronnie for most world championships, claimed his final professional tournament in his mid-thirties, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, came as a major surprise.

This legendary trio, though, stubbornly refuse declining. This article examines how three veterans remain competitive in professional snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the key difference across eras lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my technique for failures, instead of retraining my mind," he stated. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced by psychiatrist a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you activate negative expectations," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

The Body

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, winning depends on bodily attributes usually benefiting younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to prevent other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows intimately.

"I find it funny. I require glasses constantly: reading, medium distance, long distance," Mark stated this season.

The Welsh player has contemplated lens replacement surgery delaying it multiple times, latest in autumn, mainly because he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, noted that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

"All people, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

"However our minds adjust to challenges throughout life, even into old age.

"But, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects may fail."

"Eventually in precision sports, your body fails your intentions," Davis commented.

"Your arm fails to execute as required. The initial sign I felt involved while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Shot strength becomes problematic with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," said an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he added a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he now admits the weight returned though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect as you older is training. That love for the game must persist," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"However, I think that's normal," John added. "As you age, focus changes."

John considered reducing his schedule yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification rely on results in lesser events.

"It's a balancing act," he said. "It can harm mental health attempting to attend all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. This event marks his first domestic competition currently.

But none seem prepared to stop playing. Similar to tennis where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I think they motivate each other."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest world title, rarely have players risen to control the season. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions claimed the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, with innate ability rarely seen, as recalled since his youth on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," he said, watching the youngster potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

However, he has suggested previously that losing streaks help maintain motivation.

It's been nearly two years without a tournament win, yet legends think turning fifty could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps this milestone is the spark Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"If he won this tournament, or the worlds, it would amaze the crowd… Achieving that a historic feat."