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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol decades ago, he remarked "he invents shots … few competitors can do that".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory to include redefining excellence in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, for a single player of that age is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that three of the top six world players have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty recently.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

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

The Mind

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction between generations lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my form for failures, rather than retraining my mind," 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 Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you activate negative expectations," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that he feels "alright," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

The Body

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, winning depends on physical traits usually benefiting youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, but it's challenging to prevent aging effects, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows intimately.

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

The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction delaying it multiple times, most recently in November, primarily since he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, explained that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

"All people, after thirty-five, or early forties, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

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

"But, should eyesight isn't the issue, bodily factors could decline."

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your cue action fails to execute as required. The initial sign I noticed was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength is the critical factor with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

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

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight recently, crediting regular exercise, he now admits he regained it but plans setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

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

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

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

Higgins has contemplated 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 said. "Negatively affect psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule after moving to Dubai. This event is his initial home tournament currently.

Yet all three seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons motivated one another to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I think they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the season. Exemplified by current outcomes, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses exceptional natural talent rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

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

Yet, he has suggested previously that droughts fuel his motivation.

It's been nearly two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

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