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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond mere victory to include setting new standards in the sport.

Now, after three decades, he exceeded the achievements of those he admired and during this week's UK Championship, where he holds records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century means that three of the top six world players are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket became professionals over thirty years ago, also celebrated their 50th birthdays this year.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last professional tournament at 36, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, was considered an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, though, continue to resist declining. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in world snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction across eras lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my form for failures, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven otherwise. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced through working with a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

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

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on physical traits usually benefiting youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, something Mark knows very well.

"It amuses me. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, far shots," Mark stated recently.

The Welsh player considered lens replacement surgery but postponed it multiple times, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, noted that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

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

"But, even if vision isn't the issue, other physical aspects may fail."

"In time in precision sports, your physique betrays your intentions," Davis commented.

"Your cue action doesn't perform properly. The first symptom I felt involved while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

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

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

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

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he incorporates pre-game nutrition, which he claims maintains stamina through extended matches.

And while Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he currently says the weight returned but plans setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect as you older is practice. That passion for the game needs to continue," added another expert.

The veteran trio face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he struggles "to train consistently".

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

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments but is constrained due to points requirements, where tournament entries rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he said. "It can harm psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. The UK Championship marks his first home tournament this season.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question 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 "must step up despite my age failing eyesight, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player won this year's world title, few competitors risen to control the tour. This is evident this season's results, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent rarely seen, remembered since his youth on television.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," he said, watching the youngster potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

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

However, he implied previously that losing streaks fuel his drive.

It's been nearly two years without his last ranking title, yet legends think turning fifty might inspire him.

"Perhaps this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his skill," said Davis. "Everyone knows his genius, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would stun everyone… That would be a historic feat."