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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol in 1990, his response was "he creates new techniques … not many players can do that".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition extends beyond mere victory encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he exceeded the accomplishments of those he admired and during this week's UK Championship, where he holds the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that three of the top six world players are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket became professionals over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the record alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, however, continue to resist fading away. This article examines how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my technique when losing, rather than adjusting mentally," he stated. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting over a decade ago. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger negative expectations," 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."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that he feels "acceptable," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy this life stage."

The Body

Snooker may not be physically demanding, winning depends on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to prevent aging effects, such as vision decline, something Mark knows intimately.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles constantly: reading, mid-range, far shots," Williams shared recently.

The Welsh player has contemplated lens replacement surgery delaying it repeatedly, most recently in November, mainly because he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

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

"Everyone, after thirty-five, or early forties, experience reduced lens flexibility," she said.

"But our minds adjust to challenges throughout life, even into old age.

"Yet, even if vision remain fine, other physical aspects may fail."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your mind," Steve noted.

"Your arm doesn't perform as required. The first symptom I noticed involved while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Shot strength becomes problematic with no easy fix. That will occur."

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

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," said an ex-winner. "He appears he's 50!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits lately, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, attributing it to regular exercise, he currently says the weight returned but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect as you older is practice. That love for the game needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's normal," Higgins continued. "As you age, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule yet limited by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely 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 tournament appearances since relocating abroad. The UK Championship is his initial home tournament currently.

But none seem prepared to stop playing. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why not the others?" said a pundit. "I believe they've inspired one another."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players emerged to dominate the season. Exemplified by this season's results, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, who possesses exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on television.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "aren't crucial."

Yet, he has suggested in the past that losing streaks fuel his drive.

Almost two years without a tournament win, yet legends think this birthday might inspire him.

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark Ronnie needs to show his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would stun everyone… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."