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

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition extends beyond mere victory to include setting new standards within snooker.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, for a single player of that age is impressive enough, yet his half-century signifies that three of the top six global competitors have entered their fifties.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket became professionals over thirty years ago, similarly marked reaching fifty recently.

Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

This legendary trio, though, stubbornly refuse fading away. This article examines why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

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

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

"These three champions have proven that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced through working with Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting over a decade ago. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger negative expectations," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I appreciate where I am."

The Body

Snooker may not be physically demanding, winning depends on bodily attributes that typically favor youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands intimately.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles for everything: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated recently.

The two-time world champion considered vision correction delaying it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, explained that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, or early forties, experience reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

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

"But, even if vision isn't the issue, bodily factors may fail."

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

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The initial sign I felt was that although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight becomes problematic with no easy fix. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet for his success.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," said a former champion. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates a pre-match meal, which he claims sustains energy through extended matches.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he now admits he regained it though intending home gym installation for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect as you older is practice. That passion for snooker needs to continue," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's natural," John added. "As you age, priorities shift."

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

"It's challenging," he said. "Negatively affect psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule since relocating abroad. The UK Championship marks his first domestic competition this season.

But none seem prepared to stop playing. Like in other sports where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why not the others?" said a pundit. "I think they motivate each other."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "must step up despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest World Championship, few competitors risen to control the tour. Exemplified by current outcomes, where 11 different winners claimed the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses innate ability unmatched in sports, as recalled from his teenage appearance on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," noted, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes including a fax machine.

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

Yet, he implied previously that droughts fuel his drive.

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

"Who knows this milestone is the spark Ronnie needs to show his skill," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze the crowd… That would be an incredible accomplishment."