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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … not many players can do that".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition extends beyond winning matches encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Now, after three decades, he has surpassed the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their fifties.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket turned pro over thirty years ago, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction with O'Sullivan for most world championships, claimed his final ranking event in his mid-thirties, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, came as a major surprise.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist declining. This article examines why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

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

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

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

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and continue performing, disregard your age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that turning 50 "acceptable," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

While not physically demanding, winning depends on bodily attributes usually benefiting youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging 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," Williams shared this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction delaying it repeatedly, most recently in November, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, explained that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, or early forties, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

"But our brains adapt to difficulties continuously, even into old age.

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

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

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The first symptom I felt was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor with no easy fix. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with meticulous physical care often stressing nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, attributing it to spin classes, he currently says the weight returned but plans setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge with age is training. That love for the game must persist," remarked a commentator.

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

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

John considered skipping some tournaments but is constrained due to points requirements, where tournament entries rely on results in lesser events.

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

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

But none appear ready to stop playing. 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 one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest 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 yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, rarely have players risen to control the tour. Exemplified by this season's results, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, with innate ability rarely seen, remembered from his teenage appearance on television.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes like outdated technology.

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

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

Almost two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes this birthday could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps that turning 50 is the spark Ronnie needs to show his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze the crowd… That would be a historic feat."