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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about Steve Davis in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … few competitors can do that".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive isn't limited to mere victory to include redefining excellence within snooker.

Today, after three decades, he exceeded the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, for a single 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six world players have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan turned pro in 1992, also celebrated their 50th birthdays recently.

Yet, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. Stephen Hendry, holding the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, claimed his final ranking event in his mid-thirties, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, stubbornly refuse fading away. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in professional snooker.

The Mind

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

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

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven otherwise. It's all mental… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that turning 50 "acceptable," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

The Body

While not physically demanding, success still relies on physical traits that typically favor younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses constantly: reading, medium distance, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The Welsh player considered vision correction but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

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

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, experience reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

"However our brains adapt to difficulties continuously, including senior years.

"Yet, should eyesight isn't the issue, other physical aspects may fail."

"Eventually in precision sports, your physique betrays your mind," Davis commented.

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

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

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with meticulous physical care often stressing nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

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

Although John Higgins shed over three stone recently, attributing it to regular exercise, he now admits he regained it though intending setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

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

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he struggles "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's normal," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

John considered skipping some tournaments but is constrained due to points requirements, where tournament entries depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "Negatively affect psychological well-being attempting to attend every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances since relocating to Dubai. This event marks his first domestic competition this season.

But none appear ready to retire yet. Like in other sports where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and bad knees yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, few competitors risen to control the season. Exemplified by current outcomes, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

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

Ronnie often states that victories "aren't crucial."

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

Almost two years since a tournament win, yet legends think turning fifty could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps this milestone is the spark he requires to demonstrate his skill," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the worlds, it would stun the crowd… That would be a historic feat."