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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive extends beyond mere victory encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.

Today, 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 most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, for a single 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that multiple top-ranked global competitors are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan became professionals in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty recently.

Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, claimed his final professional tournament in his mid-thirties, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, came as a major surprise.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist declining. This article examines why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

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

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

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

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped through working with a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger negative expectations," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. 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."

Physical Condition

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

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

"It amuses me. I need spectacles constantly: reading, mid-range, far shots," Mark stated recently.

The Welsh player considered lens replacement surgery delaying it repeatedly, latest in autumn, mainly because he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, explained that without conditions such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, experience reduced lens flexibility," she said.

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

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

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your mind," Davis commented.

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The first symptom I noticed was that although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor with no easy fix. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance in his achievements.

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

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits lately, revealing this year he incorporates pre-game nutrition, which he claims sustains energy through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting spin classes, he now admits he regained it though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That love for snooker needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

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

John considered reducing his schedule but is constrained by the ranking system, where tournament entries depends 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 cut back his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. This event is his initial home tournament currently.

Yet all three appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I think they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "must step up despite my age with poor vision, 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 the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, remembered from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table to win prizes including a fax machine.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

However, he has suggested previously that losing streaks fuel his motivation.

It's been nearly two years without a tournament win, but Davis believes this birthday could motivate him.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark Ronnie needs to show his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… That would be an incredible accomplishment."