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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he invents shots … few competitors can do that".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition extends beyond mere victory encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that multiple top-ranked world players are now in their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

Yet, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in snooker. Stephen Hendry, holding the distinction with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last ranking event at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, was considered an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, though, stubbornly refuse declining. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, now 68, the primary distinction between generations lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my technique when losing, rather than adjusting mentally," he explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have proven that's not true. It's all mental… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped by psychiatrist a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

The Body

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, winning depends on bodily attributes that typically favor youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit through running, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows intimately.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles constantly: reading, medium distance, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The two-time world champion considered lens replacement surgery delaying it repeatedly, most recently in November, primarily since he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that without conditions such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she said.

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

"But, even if vision remain fine, other physical aspects could decline."

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your intentions," Steve noted.

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

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

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with meticulous physical care often stressing nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, which he claims maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits the weight returned but plans setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge as you older is training. That love for the game must persist," remarked a commentator.

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

"But I believe that's natural," Higgins continued. "As you age, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule but is constrained due to points requirements, where tournament entries rely on results in lesser events.

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

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances after moving abroad. This event marks his first domestic competition this season.

Yet all three seem prepared to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals 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?" commented an analyst. "I believe they've inspired each other."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "must step up because I'm declining with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players emerged to dominate the tour. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions claimed the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, with innate ability unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," noted, watching the youngster potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "aren't crucial."

However, he implied previously that losing streaks help maintain drive.

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

"Perhaps this milestone is the spark he requires to show his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves amazing audiences.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would stun everyone… That would be an incredible accomplishment."