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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about Steve Davis decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … not many players can do that".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond winning matches to include redefining excellence in the sport.

Now, after three decades, he exceeded the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that three of the top six global competitors have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays recently.

Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

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

Mental Strength

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

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

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated that's not true. It's all mental… careers can extend than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and continue performing, disregard your age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "acceptable," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate where I am."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be physically demanding, success still relies on bodily attributes that typically favor younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands very well.

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

The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, most recently in November, mainly because he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

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

"Everyone, after thirty-five, or early forties, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she said.

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

"But, even if vision remain fine, bodily factors could decline."

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

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

"Delivery weight becomes problematic with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

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

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," commented an ex-winner. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages lately, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy through extended matches.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting spin classes, he now admits the weight returned though intending setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge as you older is training. That passion for the game must persist," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"However, I think that's natural," Higgins continued. "Getting older, priorities shift."

John considered skipping some tournaments but is constrained by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm psychological well-being attempting to attend every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. This event marks his first home tournament this season.

Yet all three seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they've inspired each other."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent major victory this year, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "must step up because I'm declining with poor vision, a unreliable arm and bad knees and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest World Championship, few competitors emerged to dominate the season. Exemplified by this season's results, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability unmatched in sports, 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 winning tournaments "isn't everything."

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

It's been nearly two years since his last ranking title, yet legends think this birthday might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves amazing audiences.

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