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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond winning matches to include redefining excellence in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

In professional sports, for a single 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan turned pro over thirty years ago, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record alongside Ronnie for most world championships, won his last ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, was considered a major surprise.

This legendary trio, though, stubbornly refuse fading away. Here we explore how three veterans remain competitive in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my technique when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach was shaped through working with Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger negative expectations," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," adding: "I avoid to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be physically demanding, success still relies on physical traits that typically favor youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, something Mark knows very well.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles for everything: reading, mid-range, far shots," Williams shared this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction but postponed it multiple times, latest in autumn, mainly because he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, training professionals, explained that without conditions such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"All people, after thirty-five, or early forties, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

"However our brains adapt to difficulties throughout life, including senior years.

"But, even if vision isn't the issue, bodily factors could decline."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your mind," Davis commented.

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The initial sign I felt involved while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor with no easy fix. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training paired with meticulous physical care often stressing nutritional importance for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," said a former champion. "He appears he's 50!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

And while Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits the weight returned but plans setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect with age is practice. That love for the game needs to continue," added another expert.

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

"However, I think that's natural," John added. "Getting older, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule but is constrained due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he said. "Negatively affect mental health attempting to attend all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. This event is his initial domestic competition currently.

Yet all three seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where great competitors such as the tennis icons pushed each other to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

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

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest World Championship, few competitors emerged to dominate the tour. Exemplified by this season's results, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, with innate ability unmatched in sports, remembered from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," he said, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

However, he implied in the past that losing streaks fuel his drive.

Almost two years since a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire him.

"Perhaps this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

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