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

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition extends beyond winning matches encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he exceeded the achievements of his heroes while competing in this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their fifties.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, also celebrated their 50th birthdays recently.

However, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, claimed his final professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, though, stubbornly refuse declining. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the key difference across eras is psychological.

"I typically faulted my technique for failures, instead of retraining my mind," he explained. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have proven that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced 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 negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that turning 50 "acceptable," noting: "I avoid to overburden myself … I enjoy where I am."

The Body

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on physical traits that typically favor youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit through running, but it's challenging to avoid aging effects, such as vision decline, something Mark knows intimately.

"I find it funny. I require glasses constantly: reading, medium distance, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The Welsh player considered vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, explained that without conditions like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she said.

"But our minds adjust to difficulties continuously, even into old age.

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

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

"Your arm fails to execute properly. The first symptom I noticed was that although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Shot strength becomes problematic and there's no solution. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care often stressing the role of diet for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," said a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits lately, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting spin classes, he currently says the weight returned but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect as you older is practice. That love for the game needs to continue," added another expert.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to train consistently".

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

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments yet limited by the ranking system, where major event qualification rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he said. "It can harm psychological well-being attempting to attend every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule after moving to Dubai. The UK Championship marks his first home tournament this season.

But none appear ready to retire yet. Like in other sports where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why not the others?" said a pundit. "I believe they've inspired one another."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "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 claimed the latest world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the season. This is evident current outcomes, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with innate ability unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," he said, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes including a fax machine.

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

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

It's been nearly two years without a tournament win, yet legends think turning fifty might inspire him.

"Who knows 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 this tournament, or the worlds, it would stun the crowd… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."