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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive extends beyond winning matches encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

At the elite level, having just one player of that age would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their fifties.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays recently.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, though, continue to resist declining. This article examines why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my technique when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he explained. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have demonstrated that's not true. It's all mental… careers can extend beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach was shaped through working with a mental coach, their partnership starting over a decade ago. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," noting: "I avoid to overburden myself … I appreciate where I am."

The Body

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

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, yet difficult to prevent aging effects, such as vision decline, something Mark knows very well.

"It amuses me. I require glasses constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated recently.

The Welsh player considered lens replacement surgery delaying it multiple times, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, explained that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"All people, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

"However our minds adjust to challenges continuously, even into old age.

"But, even if vision isn't the issue, bodily factors may fail."

"In time in precision sports, your body fails your intentions," Davis commented.

"Your arm fails to execute properly. The first symptom I felt was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength is the critical factor and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," commented an ex-winner. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits lately, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he currently says he regained it though intending home gym installation for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge as you older is training. That passion for the game must persist," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

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

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

"It's a balancing act," he said. "It can harm psychological well-being attempting to attend every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too cut back his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. The UK Championship is his initial domestic competition currently.

Yet all three seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

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

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, a unreliable arm and bad knees and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player won this year's World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the season. This is evident this season's results, with multiple champions claimed the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, as recalled from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," noted, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table securing rewards like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

However, he has suggested previously that droughts fuel his drive.

Almost two years since a tournament win, yet legends think this birthday could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps that turning 50 is the spark he requires to show his greatness," said Davis. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves amazing audiences.

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