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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

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

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one player of that age would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that multiple top-ranked world players are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan turned pro in 1992, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. Stephen Hendry, holding the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

This legendary trio, though, stubbornly refuse declining. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the key difference between generations lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my form when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he explained. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset 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: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you activate negative expectations," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "alright," adding: "I avoid to overburden myself … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

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

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows very well.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles constantly: reading, medium distance, far shots," Williams shared this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated lens replacement surgery but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

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

"Everyone, after thirty-five, or early forties, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

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

"Yet, even if vision remain fine, other physical aspects could decline."

"Eventually in precision sports, your body fails your intentions," Davis commented.

"Your arm doesn't perform as required. The initial sign I noticed involved while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight becomes problematic with no easy fix. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training paired with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," 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 through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting spin classes, he now admits the weight returned but plans home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect as you older is practice. That passion for snooker needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he struggles "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's natural," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

John considered skipping some tournaments but is constrained due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on results in lesser events.

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

O'Sullivan, too cut back his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. The UK Championship is his initial home tournament currently.

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

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why not the others?" said a pundit. "I believe 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 despite my age with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player won this year's 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, who possesses exceptional natural talent rarely seen, remembered since his youth on television.

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

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

Yet, he implied previously that droughts fuel his drive.

Almost two years without a tournament win, yet legends think turning fifty could motivate him.

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark he requires to demonstrate his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

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