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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol in 1990, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition extends beyond mere victory encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he exceeded the achievements of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, having just one player of that age is impressive enough, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked world players are now in their fifties.

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

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last professional tournament at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

This legendary trio, however, stubbornly refuse fading away. This article examines how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction across eras lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my technique for failures, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated otherwise. It's all mental… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach was shaped through working with Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that turning 50 "acceptable," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

The Body

Snooker may not be physically demanding, winning depends on physical traits usually benefiting youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid aging effects, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands intimately.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles for everything: reading, mid-range, far shots," Williams shared recently.

The two-time world champion has contemplated lens replacement surgery but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, mainly because he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, explained that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

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

"But our minds adjust to challenges continuously, even into old age.

"Yet, should eyesight remain fine, bodily factors may fail."

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

"Your arm fails to execute properly. The initial sign I felt involved although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Shot strength is the critical factor with no easy fix. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," commented an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates pre-game nutrition, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits he regained it though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

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

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's natural," John added. "As you age, priorities shift."

John considered reducing his schedule yet limited due to points requirements, where tournament entries rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "It can harm mental health trying to play all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule after moving abroad. The UK Championship marks his first home tournament currently.

But none seem prepared to stop playing. Like in other sports 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 can't they?" commented an analyst. "I think they motivate each other."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent major victory this year, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and knee problems yet they can't win."

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, where 11 different winners have taken the first 11 events.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, with innate ability rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on television.

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

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

Yet, he has suggested previously that droughts help maintain drive.

It's been nearly two years without a tournament win, yet legends think this birthday could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his skill," said Davis. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the worlds, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."