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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he exceeded the achievements of his heroes and during this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan turned pro in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist fading away. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, now 68, the key difference across eras lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my technique for failures, instead of retraining my mind," he stated. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. It's all mental… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced by psychiatrist a mental coach, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," 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."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," adding: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I appreciate where I am."

Physical Condition

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

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

"It amuses me. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, far shots," Williams shared this season.

The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, primarily since he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

"All people, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, experience reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

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

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

"In time in precision sports, your body fails your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your arm fails to execute as required. The initial sign I noticed involved although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor and there's no solution. That will occur."

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

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

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits lately, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone recently, attributing it to regular exercise, he currently says he regained it but plans home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge with age is training. That love for the game must persist," added another expert.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's normal," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule but is constrained by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "It can harm psychological well-being attempting to attend all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. This event is his initial domestic competition this season.

Yet all three appear ready to retire yet. Like in other sports where great competitors such as the tennis icons motivated one another to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I believe they've inspired one another."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "must step up despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, few competitors emerged to dominate the season. Exemplified by current outcomes, where 11 different winners claimed the first 11 events.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, you could immediately see," noted, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

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

Yet, he has suggested in the past that losing streaks help maintain motivation.

It's been nearly two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… That would be a historic feat."