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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding his snooker idol decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … not many players can do that".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond mere victory to include setting new standards within snooker.

Now, 35 years later, he exceeded the achievements of his heroes 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, having just one player of that age is impressive enough, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked global competitors have entered their sixth decade.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record alongside Ronnie for most world championships, claimed his final ranking event at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, was considered an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, stubbornly refuse fading away. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in world snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I typically faulted my form when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he explained. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer than expected."

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 inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, disregard your age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that he feels "alright," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

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

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands intimately.

"It amuses me. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction delaying it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, training professionals, explained that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"All people, after thirty-five, or early forties, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she said.

"However our minds adjust to challenges continuously, including senior years.

"But, should eyesight remain fine, bodily factors could decline."

"In time in precision sports, your body fails your mind," Davis commented.

"Your arm fails to execute as required. The first symptom I felt was that although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

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

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he added pre-game nutrition, which he claims maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight recently, crediting spin classes, he now admits he regained it but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge with age is practice. That passion for the game needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

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

"But I believe that's normal," John added. "Getting older, focus changes."

John considered reducing his schedule yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification rely on results in lesser events.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "It can harm mental health trying to play all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule after moving abroad. The UK Championship marks his first domestic competition currently.

Yet all three appear ready to stop playing. Similar to tennis where great competitors such as the tennis icons motivated one another to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I believe they motivate one another."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "need to improve despite my age failing eyesight, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, few competitors emerged to dominate the season. Exemplified by this season's results, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, with innate ability unmatched in sports, as recalled from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, watching the youngster potting balls quickly to win prizes including a fax machine.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "isn't everything."

However, he has suggested in the past that droughts fuel his motivation.

Almost two years without his last ranking title, yet legends think turning fifty could motivate him.

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark Ronnie needs to show his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

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