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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive isn't limited to winning matches encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the achievements of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that multiple top-ranked world players are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro over thirty years ago, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

However, such extended careers are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, claimed his final ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered an unexpected result.

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

The Mind

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

"I typically faulted my technique for failures, instead of retraining my mind," he explained. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated that's not true. It's all mental… careers can extend than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that he feels "alright," noting: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on bodily attributes usually benefiting youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows intimately.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, far shots," Mark stated this season.

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

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

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

"All people, by your mid-30s, or early forties, experience reduced lens flexibility," she said.

"But our brains adapt to difficulties continuously, even into old age.

"But, should eyesight isn't the issue, bodily factors could decline."

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

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

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

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance for his success.

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

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages recently, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, which he claims sustains energy through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to spin classes, he currently says he regained it though intending setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That love for the game needs to continue," added another expert.

The veteran trio aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

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

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

"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm mental health attempting to attend all these events."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his European schedule after moving to Dubai. This event marks his first domestic competition currently.

Yet all three appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to excel, similarly 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

Following his most recent Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "must step up despite my age failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and bad knees and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, rarely have players risen to control the tour. This is evident this season's results, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with innate ability rarely seen, remembered since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," noted, watching the youngster potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "isn't everything."

Yet, he implied previously that losing streaks fuel his motivation.

It's been nearly two years without his last ranking title, yet legends think this birthday could motivate him.

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark he requires to demonstrate his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves amazing audiences.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would amaze the crowd… Achieving that a historic feat."