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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors possess that ability".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive extends beyond winning matches encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Now, after three decades, he has surpassed the accomplishments 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 celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, for a single player of that age is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that three of the top six global competitors are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan became professionals over thirty years ago, also celebrated their 50th birthdays this year.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the record with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, claimed his final ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, was considered an unexpected result.

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

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction across eras is psychological.

"I typically faulted my technique when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have proven that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced by psychiatrist a mental coach, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that turning 50 "acceptable," adding: "I avoid to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

The Body

Snooker may not be physically demanding, winning depends on bodily attributes that typically favor youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses constantly: reading, mid-range, far shots," Williams shared recently.

The Welsh player considered lens replacement surgery but postponed it multiple times, latest in autumn, mainly because he continues winning.

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

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, explained that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

"All people, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, experience the eye lens stiffening," she said.

"However our minds adjust to challenges continuously, even into old age.

"But, should eyesight remain fine, bodily factors could decline."

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

"Your cue action doesn't perform properly. The initial sign I noticed was that although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength is the critical factor and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," said a former champion. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits lately, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, which he claims sustains energy through extended matches.

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

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge as you older is training. That love for snooker must persist," added another expert.

The veteran trio aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's natural," Higgins continued. "As you age, priorities shift."

John considered 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. "Negatively affect psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too cut back his European schedule after moving abroad. This event marks his first home tournament currently.

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

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I think they've inspired one another."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "need to improve despite my age failing eyesight, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, few competitors risen to control the tour. This is evident this season's results, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, as recalled from his teenage appearance on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," he said, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table securing rewards like outdated technology.

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

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

It's been nearly two years without a tournament win, yet legends think this birthday might inspire him.

"Who knows this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the worlds, it would stun the crowd… Achieving that a historic feat."