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

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition extends beyond winning matches to include redefining excellence within snooker.

Today, after three decades, he exceeded the accomplishments of those he admired and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the oldest and youngest winner, 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 global competitors have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan turned pro over thirty years ago, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, however, stubbornly refuse declining. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in professional snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the key difference across eras lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my form when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he explained. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have proven otherwise. It's all mental… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach was shaped by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that he feels "alright," noting: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I appreciate where I am."

The Body

While not an athletic sport, success still relies on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to prevent aging effects, such as vision decline, which Williams understands intimately.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles for everything: reading, mid-range, far shots," Mark stated this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated lens replacement surgery but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, primarily since he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, explained that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, experience reduced lens flexibility," she said.

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

"But, should eyesight isn't the issue, bodily factors could decline."

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

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The first symptom I noticed was that although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight becomes problematic and there's no solution. That will occur."

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

"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 incorporates pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, crediting regular exercise, he currently says the weight returned but plans home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That love for snooker needs to continue," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's natural," John added. "As you age, priorities shift."

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

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

O'Sullivan, too cut back his European schedule after moving abroad. The UK Championship is his initial home tournament this season.

Yet all three appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I think they've inspired each other."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the season. This is evident current outcomes, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, who possesses exceptional natural talent rarely seen, remembered since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," he said, observing the teen potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

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

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

Almost two years since his last ranking title, yet legends think this birthday could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps this milestone provides the impetus he requires to show his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

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