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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond winning matches encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, also celebrated reaching fifty recently.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record alongside Ronnie for most world championships, won his last professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist fading away. This article examines how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the key difference across eras lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my form when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he explained. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven otherwise. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

While not an athletic sport, winning depends on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, yet difficult to prevent aging effects, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated recently.

The Welsh player considered vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, most recently in November, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, explained that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, or early forties, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

"But our brains adapt to challenges throughout life, including senior years.

"But, should eyesight remain fine, bodily factors could decline."

"In time in precision sports, your body fails your mind," Davis commented.

"Your cue action fails to execute properly. The first symptom I noticed involved while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training paired with careful body management often stressing nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," commented an ex-winner. "He appears he's 50!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits lately, revealing this year he incorporates pre-game nutrition, reportedly sustains energy through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, attributing it to regular exercise, he now admits he regained it but plans setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge with age is training. That love for snooker needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he struggles "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's natural," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too cut back his European schedule after moving abroad. This event is his initial home tournament this season.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I think they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "must step up despite my age failing eyesight, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players emerged to dominate the tour. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses innate ability rarely seen, remembered since his youth on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," he said, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes like outdated technology.

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

However, he has suggested in the past that losing streaks help maintain motivation.

It's been nearly two years since his last ranking title, but Davis believes this birthday could motivate him.

"Perhaps this milestone is the spark Ronnie needs to demonstrate his skill," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the worlds, it would amaze the crowd… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."