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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis decades ago, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors possess that ability".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition extends beyond mere victory to include setting new standards in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he has surpassed the achievements of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, for a single 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, yet his half-century signifies that three of the top six world players are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan turned pro over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

Yet, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, was considered an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, stubbornly refuse declining. Here we explore how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

Mental Strength

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

"I always blamed my technique when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he stated. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. It's all mental… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I avoid to overburden myself … I appreciate where I am."

The Body

Snooker may not be physically demanding, success still relies on bodily attributes that typically favor youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands intimately.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles constantly: reading, medium distance, far shots," Williams shared this season.

The two-time world champion considered vision correction but postponed it multiple times, latest in autumn, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, explained that without conditions like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

"All people, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

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

"But, even if vision isn't the issue, other physical aspects could decline."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your mind," Davis commented.

"Your cue action fails to execute as required. The first symptom I felt was that while alignment was good, the speed was off.

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

Ronnie's psychological training paired with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet in his achievements.

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

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits lately, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina through extended matches.

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

Driving Force

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

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's natural," John added. "As you age, focus changes."

John considered reducing his schedule but is constrained by the ranking system, where tournament entries depends on results in lesser events.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "Negatively affect mental health trying to play every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. This event marks his first home tournament this season.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons motivated one another to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why not the others?" said a pundit. "I believe they motivate each other."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "must step up despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest World Championship, few competitors risen to control the tour. Exemplified by current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent rarely seen, as recalled since his youth on television.

"His technique, you could immediately see," he said, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

Yet, he has suggested previously that losing streaks help maintain drive.

It's been nearly two years since a tournament win, but Davis believes this birthday might inspire him.

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark he requires to show his skill," said Davis. "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 an incredible accomplishment."