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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … few competitors can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive isn't limited to mere victory encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that three of the top six global competitors have entered their sixth decade.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket became professionals over thirty years ago, also celebrated their 50th birthdays this year.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record 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, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist declining. This article examines why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in professional snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, now 68, the primary distinction across eras is psychological.

"I always blamed my form for failures, instead of adjusting mentally," he explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have demonstrated that's not true. It's all mental… you can compete longer than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger negative expectations," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate where I am."

The Body

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, winning depends on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid aging effects, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands intimately.

"I find it funny. I require glasses constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction but postponed it multiple times, latest in autumn, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

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

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, or early forties, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

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

"Yet, even if vision remain fine, bodily factors could decline."

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your mind," Davis commented.

"Your arm fails to execute properly. The initial sign I felt involved while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor and there's no solution. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance for his success.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, reportedly maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins shed over three stone recently, attributing it to regular exercise, he currently says he regained it though intending setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect with age is training. That love for snooker must persist," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to train consistently".

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

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

"It's a balancing act," he said. "Negatively affect mental health attempting to attend every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his European schedule after moving abroad. This event is his initial home tournament currently.

Yet all three seem prepared to stop playing. Similar to tennis where great competitors such as the tennis icons motivated one another to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why not the others?" said a pundit. "I believe they motivate one another."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "must step up despite my age failing eyesight, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, few competitors risen to control the tour. This is evident this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, as recalled from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

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

Almost two years without a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty could motivate him.

"Who knows this milestone provides the impetus he requires to show his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."