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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol decades ago, he remarked "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond winning matches encompassing redefining excellence within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the achievements of those he admired and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

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

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan turned pro over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty recently.

Yet, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie for most world championships, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, came as an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, though, continue to resist declining. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in world snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, now 68, the key difference across eras lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my technique when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he explained. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated that's not true. It's all mental… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you activate negative expectations," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and continue performing, then ignore age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy this life stage."

Physical Condition

While not an athletic sport, winning depends on bodily attributes that typically favor younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, yet difficult to avoid aging effects, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.

"It amuses me. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, far shots," Mark stated recently.

The two-time world champion considered vision correction delaying it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, training professionals, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"All people, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she said.

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

"Yet, should eyesight remain fine, bodily factors may fail."

"Eventually in precision sports, your physique betrays your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your arm fails to execute properly. The initial sign I noticed involved while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Shot strength becomes problematic with no easy fix. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training paired with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," said an ex-winner. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he added a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

And while Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting spin classes, he now admits he regained it but plans setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

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

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's natural," John added. "As you age, priorities shift."

John considered skipping some tournaments yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he explained. "Negatively affect mental health attempting to attend every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. The UK Championship is his initial domestic competition this season.

Yet all three appear ready to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons motivated one another to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, 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 major victory this year, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "must step up 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 tour. This is evident this season's results, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability rarely seen, remembered since his youth on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," noted, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table to win prizes like outdated technology.

Ronnie often states that victories "isn't everything."

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

It's been nearly two years without his last ranking title, yet legends think this birthday could motivate him.

"Perhaps that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his skill," said Davis. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would stun the crowd… Achieving that a historic feat."