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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol in 1990, his response was "he creates new techniques … not many players can do that".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition extends beyond mere victory encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Now, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, 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.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan turned pro over thirty years ago, also celebrated their 50th birthdays this year.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, though, stubbornly refuse declining. This article examines how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the key difference between generations is psychological.

"I typically faulted my technique for failures, rather than adjusting mentally," he explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated 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 self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and continue performing, then ignore age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that he feels "alright," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

The Body

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

Ronnie stays fit through running, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows intimately.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles for everything: reading, mid-range, far shots," Mark stated this season.

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

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, training professionals, noted that without conditions such as cataracts, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she said.

"But our brains adapt to challenges continuously, including senior years.

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

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

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The first symptom I noticed involved although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight becomes problematic with no easy fix. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with careful body management often stressing nutritional importance for his success.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages lately, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting spin classes, he now admits the weight returned though intending setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge with age is practice. That passion for the game must persist," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar 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," John added. "As you age, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments but is constrained due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "Negatively affect mental health trying to play every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule after moving to Dubai. The UK Championship marks his first domestic competition this season.

But none appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why not the others?" said a pundit. "I believe they've inspired each other."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "must step up despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players emerged to dominate the season. Exemplified by current outcomes, where 11 different winners claimed the first 11 events.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, with innate ability rarely seen, as recalled since his youth on television.

"His stance, you could immediately see," he said, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes like outdated technology.

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

However, he implied previously that losing streaks help maintain drive.

It's been nearly two years since his last ranking title, yet legends think turning fifty could motivate him.

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

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would amaze the crowd… That would be a historic feat."