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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding his snooker idol decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … not many players possess that ability".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond winning matches to include redefining excellence within snooker.

Now, after three decades, he exceeded the accomplishments of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age 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, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, also celebrated reaching fifty recently.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in this sport. Stephen Hendry, holding the record alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, was considered an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist declining. This article examines why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the key difference across eras is psychological.

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

"These three champions have proven that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you activate negative expectations," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, disregard your age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate where I am."

Physical Condition

While not physically demanding, success still relies on physical traits that typically favor youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, something Mark knows very well.

"It amuses me. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, long distance," Williams shared this season.

The Welsh player considered lens replacement surgery delaying it multiple times, latest in autumn, primarily since he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"All people, by your mid-30s, or early forties, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

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

"But, should eyesight isn't the issue, other physical aspects could decline."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your cue action doesn't perform properly. The initial sign I felt involved although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight becomes problematic and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training paired with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet for his success.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, reportedly maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting spin classes, he currently says he regained it though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That passion for the game needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's natural," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

John considered skipping some tournaments yet limited by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on results in lesser events.

"It's a balancing act," he said. "Negatively affect mental health attempting to attend all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule after moving abroad. This event is his initial domestic competition this season.

But none seem prepared to stop playing. Like in other sports where great competitors 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?" said a pundit. "I think they've inspired each other."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, a unreliable arm and bad knees yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player won this year's world title, few competitors risen to control the tour. Exemplified by current outcomes, with multiple champions claimed the first 11 events.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with innate ability rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on television.

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

Ronnie often states that victories "aren't crucial."

However, he has suggested previously that losing streaks help maintain drive.

Almost two years since his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves amazing audiences.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would stun everyone… Achieving that a historic feat."