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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about his snooker idol in 1990, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive extends beyond mere victory encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Today, after three decades, he has surpassed the accomplishments of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that three of the top six global competitors have entered their sixth decade.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, also celebrated their 50th birthdays recently.

Yet, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, claimed his final professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

This legendary trio, however, stubbornly refuse declining. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in professional snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the key difference across eras is psychological.

"I typically faulted my technique when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he stated. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger negative expectations," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and continue performing, disregard your age."

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

Physical Condition

While not physically demanding, success still relies on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands intimately.

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

The Welsh player considered vision correction delaying it repeatedly, most recently in November, mainly because he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, noted that without conditions such as cataracts, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, experience reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

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

"Yet, should eyesight isn't the issue, bodily factors may fail."

"In time in precision sports, your physique betrays your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The initial sign I felt was that although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight becomes problematic with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance for his success.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, crediting spin classes, he currently says the weight returned though intending setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge as you older is training. That love for the game needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's natural," John added. "Getting older, focus changes."

John considered reducing his schedule but is constrained by the ranking system, where major event qualification depends on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm psychological well-being attempting to attend every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule since relocating abroad. The UK Championship marks his first domestic competition currently.

But none seem prepared to stop playing. Like in other sports where great competitors such as the tennis icons motivated one another to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, 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 observed that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining failing eyesight, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, few competitors risen to control the tour. This is evident this season's results, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent rarely seen, as recalled since his youth on television.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, watching the youngster potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

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

Yet, he has suggested in the past that droughts help maintain drive.

Almost two years without a tournament win, but Davis believes this birthday might inspire O'Sullivan.

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

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