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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition extends beyond mere victory to include setting new standards in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of those he admired and during this week's UK Championship, where he holds the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that three of the top six global competitors are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan turned pro in 1992, also celebrated reaching fifty recently.

However, such extended careers are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, stubbornly refuse fading away. This article examines how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, now 68, the primary distinction across eras lies in mentality.

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

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated otherwise. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced through working with Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting over a decade ago. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," adding: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

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

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, yet difficult to avoid aging effects, such as vision decline, something Mark knows intimately.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles constantly: reading, medium distance, far shots," Williams shared recently.

The Welsh player considered vision correction delaying it multiple times, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

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

"All people, after thirty-five, or early forties, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

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

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

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your arm fails to execute as required. The initial sign I noticed was that although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Shot strength is the critical factor and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training paired 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, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins shed over three stone recently, attributing it to spin classes, he currently says the weight returned though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge as you older is training. That passion for snooker must persist," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he struggles "to train consistently".

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

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

"It's challenging," he said. "Negatively affect psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances 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 great competitors such as the tennis icons pushed each other to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why not the others?" said a pundit. "I think they motivate one another."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "must step up 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 Championship, rarely have players risen to control the season. This is evident this season's results, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," he said, observing the teen potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

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

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

Almost two years since his last ranking title, yet legends think this birthday might inspire him.

"Perhaps that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would stun the crowd… That would be a historic feat."