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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

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

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked global competitors are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan became professionals over thirty years ago, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

However, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last professional tournament at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

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

The Mind

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the key difference across eras is psychological.

"I typically faulted my form when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he stated. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven that's not true. It's all mental… you can compete longer than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, disregard your age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "acceptable," adding: "I avoid to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, winning depends on bodily attributes usually benefiting younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, yet difficult to prevent other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands intimately.

"It amuses me. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The Welsh player considered vision correction delaying it multiple times, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

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

"All people, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she said.

"But our minds adjust to challenges throughout life, including senior years.

"But, should eyesight isn't the issue, bodily factors may fail."

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

"Your arm fails to execute as required. The initial sign I felt involved although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength is the critical factor and there's no solution. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training paired with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," said a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates pre-game nutrition, which he claims sustains energy during long sessions.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to spin classes, he currently says he regained it though intending setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge with age is training. That love for the game must persist," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he struggles "to practice regularly".

"However, I think that's natural," John added. "As you age, focus changes."

John considered reducing his schedule yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he said. "It can harm mental health trying to play every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too cut back his European schedule since relocating abroad. The UK Championship is his initial domestic competition this season.

Yet all three seem prepared to stop playing. Like in other sports where great competitors such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why not the others?" said a pundit. "I think they motivate one another."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the tour. This is evident this season's results, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses exceptional natural talent rarely seen, remembered since his youth on television.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," noted, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "isn't everything."

Yet, he implied in the past that droughts help maintain motivation.

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

"Perhaps that turning 50 is the spark Ronnie needs to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze the crowd… That would be an incredible accomplishment."