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

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

Now, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, having just one player of that age would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six world players have entered their fifties.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist fading away. This article examines why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in professional snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction between generations lies in mentality.

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

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

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

This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I appreciate where I am."

The Body

Snooker may not be physically demanding, success still relies on bodily attributes usually benefiting youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, something Mark knows intimately.

"It amuses me. I require glasses constantly: reading, medium distance, long distance," Mark stated this season.

The Welsh player has contemplated lens replacement surgery but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, experience the eye lens stiffening," she said.

"However our brains adapt to difficulties continuously, even into old age.

"But, even if vision isn't the issue, other physical aspects may fail."

"In time in precision sports, your physique betrays your mind," Davis commented.

"Your cue action fails to execute properly. The first symptom I felt 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 paired with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance for his success.

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

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits recently, revealing this year he added a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he currently says the weight returned though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

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

The veteran trio aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's normal," John added. "Getting older, priorities shift."

John considered skipping some tournaments but is constrained 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."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule after moving to Dubai. This event is his initial home tournament this season.

But none appear ready to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons motivated one another to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, 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 this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "must step up because I'm declining with poor vision, 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 season. Exemplified by current outcomes, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability unmatched in sports, as recalled from his teenage appearance on television.

"His technique, you could immediately see," he said, observing the teen potting balls quickly to win prizes including a fax machine.

Ronnie often states that victories "isn't everything."

However, he has suggested in the past that droughts fuel his motivation.

It's been nearly two years since a tournament win, yet legends think turning fifty could motivate him.

"Who knows this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze the crowd… That would be an incredible accomplishment."