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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition extends beyond winning matches encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Now, after three decades, he exceeded the achievements of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

In professional sports, for a single 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that three of the top six global competitors are now in their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket became professionals over thirty years ago, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

Yet, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction with O'Sullivan for most world championships, claimed his final ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, though, stubbornly refuse fading away. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in professional snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction across eras lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my form for failures, instead of adjusting mentally," he explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven otherwise. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. 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 trigger negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that he feels "alright," noting: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy this life stage."

The Body

Snooker may not be physically demanding, success still relies on bodily attributes usually benefiting younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to avoid aging effects, such as vision decline, something Mark knows very well.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles for everything: reading, mid-range, long distance," Williams shared this season.

The two-time world champion considered vision correction but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, explained that without conditions such as cataracts, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

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

"But our minds adjust to difficulties throughout life, including senior years.

"But, even if vision remain fine, bodily factors may fail."

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

"Your cue action fails to execute properly. The first symptom I felt was that although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

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

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting spin classes, he currently says he regained it but plans home gym installation for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect as you older is training. That love for snooker must persist," remarked a commentator.

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

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

John considered reducing his schedule yet limited by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "Negatively affect psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. The UK Championship marks his first domestic competition currently.

Yet all three appear ready to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they've inspired one another."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "must step up despite my age failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and bad knees and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player won this year's World Championship, few competitors risen to control the tour. Exemplified by current outcomes, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent rarely seen, remembered from his teenage appearance on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," noted, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

However, he implied in the past that droughts fuel his drive.

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

"Perhaps that turning 50 provides the impetus he requires to demonstrate his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the worlds, it would amaze the crowd… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."