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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis decades ago, he remarked "he invents shots … not many players can do that".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive isn't limited to mere victory encompassing redefining excellence within snooker.

Today, after three decades, he has surpassed the accomplishments of his heroes and during this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, for a single player of that age is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

However, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction 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, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in world snooker.

The Mind

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

"I typically faulted my form for failures, instead of retraining my mind," he stated. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated otherwise. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced through working with a mental coach, their partnership starting over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and continue performing, then ignore age."

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

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, winning depends on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, but it's challenging to avoid aging effects, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.

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

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction but postponed it multiple times, latest in autumn, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

"However our minds adjust to challenges throughout life, including senior years.

"Yet, even if vision remain fine, other physical aspects could decline."

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

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The initial sign I noticed involved while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance in his achievements.

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

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits lately, revealing this year he added pre-game nutrition, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight recently, crediting regular exercise, he currently says the weight returned but plans setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That love for snooker must persist," added another expert.

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

"But I believe that's normal," John added. "As you age, focus changes."

John considered reducing his schedule yet limited by the ranking system, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he explained. "Negatively affect mental health attempting to attend all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. The UK Championship marks his first domestic competition currently.

But none 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.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder 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 "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player won this year's world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the season. Exemplified by current outcomes, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, with innate ability unmatched in sports, remembered from his teenage appearance on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," noted, watching the youngster potting balls quickly to win prizes including a fax machine.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

However, he implied previously that losing streaks help maintain motivation.

It's been nearly two years since his last ranking title, yet legends think turning fifty could motivate him.

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark Ronnie needs to show his skill," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would stun everyone… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."