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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to winning matches to include setting new standards in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he has surpassed the achievements of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that three of the top six world players have entered their fifties.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, also celebrated their 50th birthdays this year.

Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record alongside Ronnie for most world championships, claimed his final ranking event in his mid-thirties, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, was considered an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, though, stubbornly refuse declining. This article examines how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I typically faulted my form when losing, instead of retraining my mind," he explained. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you activate negative expectations," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and continue performing, disregard your age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that he feels "acceptable," noting: "I try not to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

The Body

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, winning depends on bodily attributes that typically favor younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, yet difficult to prevent other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows intimately.

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

The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction but postponed it multiple times, latest in autumn, mainly because he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, explained that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, experience the eye lens stiffening," she said.

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

"But, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects may fail."

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

"Your cue action fails to execute as required. The first symptom I felt was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength becomes problematic with no easy fix. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet for his success.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," said an ex-winner. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, which he claims sustains energy during long sessions.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, attributing it to regular exercise, he currently says he regained it though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect with age is practice. That love for snooker must persist," added another expert.

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

"However, I think that's normal," John added. "Getting older, priorities shift."

John considered skipping some tournaments yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification rely on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he explained. "Negatively affect mental health trying to play every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. The UK Championship is his initial domestic competition this season.

Yet all three seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I believe they motivate each other."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "must step up despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player won this year's world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the tour. Exemplified by current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," he said, observing the teen potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

Yet, he implied in the past that droughts fuel his motivation.

Almost two years since his last ranking title, yet legends think this birthday might inspire him.

"Perhaps this milestone is the spark Ronnie needs to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his genius, and he loves amazing audiences.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that a historic feat."