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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about Steve Davis decades ago, his response was "he invents shots … few competitors possess that ability".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition extends beyond mere victory encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, for a single 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that three of the top six global competitors have entered their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket turned pro over thirty years ago, similarly marked their 50th birthdays recently.

However, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, was considered a major surprise.

This legendary trio, though, stubbornly refuse fading away. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in world snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the key difference between generations lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my technique when losing, instead of retraining my mind," he explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

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

The Rocket's approach was shaped by psychiatrist a mental coach, their partnership starting since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, 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!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "acceptable," adding: "I avoid to overburden myself … I enjoy where I am."

The Body

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on physical traits 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 very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The two-time world champion considered vision correction delaying it multiple times, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"All people, after thirty-five, or early forties, experience the eye lens stiffening," she said.

"But our minds adjust to challenges continuously, including senior years.

"But, should eyesight isn't the issue, other physical aspects may fail."

"Eventually in precision sports, your body fails your mind," Steve noted.

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

"Shot strength is the critical factor with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care often stressing the role of diet for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," said a former champion. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits lately, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, which he claims sustains energy during long sessions.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone recently, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits the weight returned but plans home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

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

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan 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 natural," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

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

"It's challenging," he said. "It can harm psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. The UK Championship marks his first home tournament this season.

Yet all three appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis where great competitors such as the tennis icons motivated one another to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

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

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player won this year's World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the tour. This is evident current outcomes, where 11 different winners claimed the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses innate ability unmatched in sports, remembered from his teenage appearance 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 winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

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

It's been nearly two years since his last ranking title, but Davis believes this birthday could motivate him.

"Who knows this milestone provides the impetus he requires to show his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the worlds, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that a historic feat."