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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol decades ago, he remarked "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to winning matches encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he exceeded the achievements of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their sixth decade.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan became professionals over thirty years ago, also celebrated their 50th birthdays this year.

Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, claimed his final ranking event in his mid-thirties, while Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, was considered a major surprise.

This legendary trio, however, stubbornly refuse declining. This article examines how three veterans remain competitive in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, now 68, the key difference across eras lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my technique for failures, rather than adjusting mentally," he explained. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced through working with Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, winning depends on bodily attributes usually benefiting younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows very well.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated this season.

The two-time world champion considered vision correction delaying it repeatedly, most recently in November, primarily since he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

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

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, or early forties, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she said.

"But our brains adapt to difficulties throughout life, including senior years.

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

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your mind," Steve noted.

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

"Delivery weight is the critical factor and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

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

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he incorporates pre-game nutrition, which he claims sustains energy through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, attributing it to regular exercise, he now admits he regained it though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That love for snooker needs to continue," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's natural," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

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

"It's challenging," he said. "It can harm psychological well-being trying to play all these events."

O'Sullivan, too cut back his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. This event is his initial home tournament currently.

Yet all three appear ready to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons motivated one another to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they motivate each other."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, rarely have players emerged to dominate the season. This is evident this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses exceptional natural talent rarely seen, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

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

Ronnie often states that victories "aren't crucial."

Yet, he has suggested previously that losing streaks fuel his drive.

It's been nearly two years without a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty could motivate him.

"Who knows this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to show his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves amazing audiences.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would stun the crowd… That would be an incredible accomplishment."