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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … few competitors possess that ability".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of those he admired while competing in this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, having just one 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six global competitors have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan became professionals over thirty years ago, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, claimed his final ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist fading away. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, now 68, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I typically faulted my form for failures, instead of retraining my mind," he explained. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven otherwise. 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 over a decade ago. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger negative expectations," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," noting: "I avoid to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

The Body

Snooker may not be physically demanding, winning depends on bodily attributes that typically favor younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, but it's challenging to avoid aging effects, such as vision decline, something Mark knows very well.

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

The two-time world champion considered lens replacement surgery but postponed it repeatedly, most recently in November, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, explained that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"All people, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she said.

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

"Yet, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects may fail."

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your intentions," Davis commented.

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

"Delivery weight is the critical factor and there's no solution. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with meticulous physical care often stressing the role of diet for his success.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," commented an ex-winner. "He appears he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, attributing it to regular exercise, he now admits the weight returned though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

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

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

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

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments but is constrained due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm mental health attempting to attend every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too cut back his tournament appearances after moving abroad. This event is his initial domestic competition currently.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I believe they've inspired each other."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "need to improve despite my age failing eyesight, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest world title, few competitors emerged to dominate the tour. Exemplified by current outcomes, where 11 different winners claimed the first 11 events.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, 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 victories "isn't everything."

However, he implied previously that losing streaks fuel his motivation.

It's been nearly two years since his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark he requires to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that a historic feat."