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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond winning matches encompassing redefining excellence within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the achievements of those he admired and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that multiple top-ranked 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 recently.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, though, stubbornly refuse fading away. Here we explore how three veterans stay at the top in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction between generations lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my technique when losing, instead of retraining my mind," he stated. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "alright," noting: "I avoid to overburden myself … I enjoy where I am."

The Body

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

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

"It amuses me. I require glasses constantly: reading, mid-range, far shots," Mark stated this season.

The Welsh player considered lens replacement surgery but postponed it multiple times, latest in autumn, mainly because he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

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

"Everyone, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

"However our brains adapt to difficulties throughout life, even into old age.

"But, even if vision remain fine, other physical aspects could decline."

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

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The first symptom I felt involved although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength is the critical factor and there's no solution. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," said an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

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

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect as you older is practice. That love for the game needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's natural," John added. "As you age, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule yet limited by the ranking system, where major event qualification depends on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm psychological well-being attempting to attend all these events."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. The UK Championship marks his first home tournament currently.

Yet all three seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I think they motivate each other."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "must step up despite my age failing eyesight, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the season. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability rarely seen, remembered since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, you could immediately see," noted, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table securing rewards like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "aren't crucial."

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

It's been nearly two years without a tournament win, yet legends think this birthday could motivate him.

"Perhaps that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would amaze the crowd… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."