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

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive extends beyond mere victory to include redefining excellence within snooker.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of those he admired and during this week's UK Championship, where he holds records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

In professional sports, for a single player of that age is impressive enough, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan became professionals over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

Yet, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the record alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last ranking event at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, was considered an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, though, stubbornly refuse fading away. This article examines why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction across eras lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my technique when losing, rather than adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have proven otherwise. It's all mental… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach was shaped through working with a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

The Body

While not an athletic sport, success still relies on bodily attributes that typically favor youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit through running, but it's challenging to prevent aging effects, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands intimately.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles for everything: reading, mid-range, far shots," Williams shared this season.

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

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, or early forties, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

"However our brains adapt to challenges continuously, even into old age.

"Yet, even if vision isn't the issue, bodily factors could decline."

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

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The initial sign I noticed was that although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Shot strength is the critical factor with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with meticulous physical care often stressing nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," said an ex-winner. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy through extended matches.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting spin classes, he currently says the weight returned though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge with age is practice. That love for snooker must persist," added another expert.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's normal," Higgins continued. "Getting older, priorities shift."

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. "It can harm psychological well-being attempting to attend every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too cut back his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. This event marks his first domestic competition this season.

But none appear ready to retire yet. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they've inspired each other."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and knee problems yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, few competitors emerged to dominate the tour. Exemplified by this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on television.

"His stance, you could immediately see," he said, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table securing rewards like outdated technology.

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

However, he implied in the past that losing streaks help maintain motivation.

Almost two years without his last ranking title, yet legends think this birthday could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone provides the impetus he requires to demonstrate his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze the crowd… That would be an incredible accomplishment."