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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to winning matches encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

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

At the elite level, having just one 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that three of the top six global competitors are now in their sixth decade.

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

Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction with O'Sullivan for most world championships, claimed his final professional tournament at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, came as an unexpected result.

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

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, now 68, the primary distinction between generations lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my form when losing, rather than adjusting mentally," he explained. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach was shaped by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and continue performing, disregard your age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy this life stage."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on bodily attributes that typically favor youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, yet difficult to prevent other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows intimately.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated this season.

The Welsh player has contemplated lens replacement surgery delaying it multiple times, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, training professionals, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

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

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

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

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your mind," Steve noted.

"Your arm fails to execute properly. The initial sign I noticed involved although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Shot strength is the critical factor with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet for his success.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented a former champion. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits lately, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates pre-game nutrition, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins shed over three stone recently, attributing it to regular exercise, he currently says the weight returned but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge as you older is training. That passion for the game must persist," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's normal," John added. "Getting older, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments yet limited by the ranking system, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "It can harm mental health trying to play all these events."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances since relocating to Dubai. This event is his initial home tournament this season.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where great competitors such as the tennis icons motivated one another to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I believe they motivate each other."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, a unreliable arm and bad knees and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player won this year's World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the tour. Exemplified by this season's results, with multiple champions claimed the first 11 events.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, who possesses exceptional natural talent rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," he said, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes like outdated technology.

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

Yet, he has suggested previously that droughts help maintain drive.

Almost two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes this birthday could motivate him.

"Perhaps this milestone is the spark Ronnie needs to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

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