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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … few competitors possess that ability".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition extends beyond mere victory to include redefining excellence in the sport.

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.

At the elite level, having just one player of that age is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six world players are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro over thirty years ago, also celebrated their 50th birthdays recently.

Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last professional tournament in his mid-thirties, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, came as a major surprise.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist declining. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, now 68, the key difference across eras lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my technique for failures, rather than retraining my mind," he explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced through working with a mental coach, their partnership starting over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you activate negative expectations," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and continue performing, disregard your age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," noting: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on physical traits usually benefiting youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to prevent aging effects, such as vision decline, something Mark knows very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, long distance," Williams shared recently.

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

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

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

"All people, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

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

"But, even if vision isn't the issue, other physical aspects could decline."

"Eventually in precision sports, your body fails your mind," Steve noted.

"Your arm fails to execute properly. The first symptom I noticed was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

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

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with careful body management often stressing the role of diet for his success.

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

Williams also discovered dietary advantages lately, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, reportedly maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he now admits the weight returned though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

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

The veteran trio face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

"However, I think that's natural," Higgins continued. "As you age, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments yet limited due to points requirements, where tournament entries depends on results in lesser events.

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

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule after moving 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 great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I believe they motivate each other."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the tour. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability rarely seen, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

Yet, he implied in the past that losing streaks help maintain drive.

Almost two years without his last ranking title, yet legends think turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps that turning 50 provides the impetus he requires to show his greatness," said Davis. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze the crowd… Achieving that a historic feat."