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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about his snooker idol decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to winning matches encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he has surpassed the achievements 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 will mark his 50th birthday.

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

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan became professionals in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie for most world championships, claimed his final professional tournament at 36, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

This legendary trio, however, stubbornly refuse declining. This article examines how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I typically faulted 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. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger negative expectations," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that turning 50 "acceptable," adding: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

The Body

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, winning depends on bodily attributes that typically favor youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands very well.

"It amuses me. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, long distance," Mark stated this season.

The Welsh player considered lens replacement surgery but postponed it repeatedly, most recently in November, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

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

A vision specialist, training professionals, noted that without conditions such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, or early forties, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

"But our brains adapt to difficulties throughout life, even into old age.

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

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your intentions," Davis commented.

"Your arm fails to execute as required. The initial sign I felt involved 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 and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet for his success.

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

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he currently says he regained it though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect with age is training. That passion for snooker needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's normal," Higgins continued. "As you age, focus changes."

John considered reducing his schedule yet limited due to points requirements, where tournament entries rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm mental health attempting to attend all these events."

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

But none seem prepared to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons motivated one another to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I think they've inspired each other."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "must step up despite my age failing eyesight, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the season. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with innate ability unmatched in sports, remembered 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.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

However, he has suggested previously that losing streaks help maintain drive.

Almost two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire him.

"Perhaps this milestone provides the impetus he requires to show his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

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