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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive isn't limited to winning matches to include setting new standards in the sport.

Now, after three decades, he has surpassed the achievements of his heroes while competing in this week's UK Championship, where he holds records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, for a single player of that age is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that three of the top six world players are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro over thirty years ago, also celebrated their 50th birthdays recently.

However, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, holding the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, claimed his final ranking event in his mid-thirties, while Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, came as a major surprise.

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

The Mind

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction between generations lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my technique when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. It's all mental… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped by psychiatrist a mental coach, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

The Body

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

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, something Mark knows intimately.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The two-time world champion considered lens replacement surgery delaying it multiple times, most recently in November, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

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

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, or early forties, experience the eye lens stiffening," she said.

"But our minds adjust to difficulties throughout life, including senior years.

"But, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects could decline."

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

"Your arm fails to execute as required. The initial sign I felt involved although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

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

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care often stressing nutritional importance for his success.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," said an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting spin classes, he now admits the weight returned though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge with age is training. That passion for snooker must persist," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he struggles "to train consistently".

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

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification rely on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm psychological well-being trying to play all these events."

O'Sullivan, too cut back his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. The UK Championship marks his first home tournament currently.

Yet all three appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis where great competitors such as the tennis icons motivated one another to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "must step up because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player won this year's world title, rarely have players risen to control the tour. This is evident current outcomes, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses innate ability rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

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

However, he has suggested previously that losing streaks fuel his drive.

It's been nearly two years since a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to show his skill," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the worlds, it would stun the crowd… Achieving that a historic feat."