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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive isn't limited to winning matches encompassing redefining excellence within snooker.

Now, after three decades, he has surpassed the achievements of his heroes while competing in this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, for a single 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked global competitors are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays recently.

However, this remarkable longevity 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, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, however, stubbornly refuse declining. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional snooker.

The Mind

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

"I always blamed my form for failures, rather than retraining my mind," he stated. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated otherwise. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced through working with a mental coach, their partnership starting over a decade ago. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you activate negative expectations," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and continue performing, disregard your age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that he feels "acceptable," noting: "I avoid to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

While not physically demanding, winning depends on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The two-time world champion has contemplated lens replacement surgery delaying it repeatedly, most recently in November, primarily since he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, explained that without conditions such as cataracts, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, or early forties, experience reduced lens flexibility," she said.

"However our minds adjust to difficulties continuously, including senior years.

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

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

"Your cue action fails to execute as required. The initial sign I noticed involved although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

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

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

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," said a former champion. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

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

Although John Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to regular exercise, he currently says the weight returned but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect with age is practice. That passion for the game needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

"However, I think that's natural," Higgins continued. "As you age, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments but is constrained by the ranking system, where major event qualification rely on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he said. "Negatively affect mental health trying to play all these events."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his European schedule after moving abroad. This event is his initial home tournament this season.

Yet all three seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons motivated one another to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I think they've inspired each other."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the tour. This is evident this season's results, where 11 different winners have taken the first 11 events.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, with innate ability unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on television.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly securing rewards including a fax machine.

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

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

Almost two years since his last ranking title, yet legends think turning fifty could motivate him.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark he requires to show his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the worlds, it would stun everyone… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."