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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding Steve Davis in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to winning matches to include setting new standards within snooker.

Now, after three decades, he has surpassed the accomplishments of his heroes and during this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one player of that age is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that three of the top six world players have entered their sixth decade.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

Yet, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in this sport. Stephen Hendry, holding the record alongside Ronnie for most world championships, claimed his final professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

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

Mental Strength

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction across eras is psychological.

"I always blamed my technique for failures, instead of retraining my mind," he stated. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven otherwise. It's all mental… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "acceptable," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

The Body

While not an athletic sport, winning depends on bodily attributes usually benefiting youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, something Mark knows intimately.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles constantly: reading, medium distance, long distance," Mark stated recently.

The Welsh player considered lens replacement surgery delaying it repeatedly, latest in autumn, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, noted 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 explained.

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

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

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

"Your cue action fails to execute as required. The first symptom I noticed was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training paired with careful body management often stressing nutritional importance for his success.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," said a former champion. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, which he claims sustains energy through extended matches.

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

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge as you older is training. That passion for the game must persist," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan 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. "As you age, priorities shift."

John considered skipping some tournaments but is constrained by the ranking system, where tournament entries depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he said. "Negatively affect mental health trying to play all these events."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his European schedule after moving abroad. This event marks his first home tournament this season.

But none appear ready to stop playing. Similar to tennis where great competitors such as the tennis icons pushed each other to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why can't they?" said a pundit. "I think they've inspired each other."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "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 claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the tour. This is evident this season's results, where 11 different winners have taken the first 11 events.

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

"His technique, was obvious instantly," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

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

Yet, he has suggested in the past that losing streaks fuel his motivation.

Almost two years since a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire him.

"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus he requires to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves amazing audiences.

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