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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol in 1990, his response was "he creates new techniques … not many players possess that ability".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive extends beyond winning matches to include redefining excellence in the sport.

Now, after three decades, he exceeded the achievements of his heroes and during this week's UK Championship, where he holds records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

In professional sports, for a single 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that multiple top-ranked global competitors have entered their sixth decade.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan 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, holding the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, came as an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, though, continue to resist declining. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, now 68, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my form for failures, rather than adjusting mentally," he explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated that's not true. It's all mental… 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. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, disregard your age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

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

Ronnie stays fit through running, but it's challenging to prevent aging effects, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows very well.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles constantly: reading, mid-range, far shots," Williams shared recently.

The Welsh player considered vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, mainly because he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

"All people, by your mid-30s, or early forties, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

"But our minds adjust to difficulties throughout life, even into old age.

"But, should eyesight isn't the issue, other physical aspects could decline."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your cue action fails to execute properly. The first symptom I felt was that although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength becomes problematic and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with careful body management often stressing nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," commented an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits lately, revealing this year he incorporates pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, attributing it to regular exercise, he currently says he regained it though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect as you older is practice. That love for snooker needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he struggles "to practice regularly".

"However, I think that's normal," Higgins continued. "Getting older, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule yet limited due to points requirements, where tournament entries depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he said. "It can harm psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his European schedule since relocating abroad. This event marks his first home tournament currently.

Yet all three appear ready to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they've inspired one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the season. Exemplified by this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, with exceptional natural talent rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on television.

"His technique, you could immediately see," he said, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table securing rewards like outdated technology.

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

Yet, he implied previously that droughts help maintain drive.

Almost two years since his last ranking title, but Davis believes this birthday could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark he requires to demonstrate his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

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