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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … not many players can do that".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to winning matches to include redefining excellence within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of those he admired and during this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being 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.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket became professionals over thirty years ago, also celebrated their 50th birthdays this year.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last professional tournament in his mid-thirties, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, stubbornly refuse declining. Here we explore how three veterans stay at the top 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 explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have demonstrated that's not true. It's all mental… you can compete longer than expected."

The Rocket's approach was shaped through working with a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and continue performing, disregard your age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that he feels "alright," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, winning depends on physical traits that typically favor youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, something Mark knows intimately.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, far shots," Mark stated this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction delaying it repeatedly, latest in autumn, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

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

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

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

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

"But, should eyesight isn't the issue, bodily factors may fail."

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your intentions," Davis commented.

"Your arm fails to execute properly. The first symptom I felt was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

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

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

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

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he currently says the weight returned though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

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

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's natural," Higgins continued. "Getting older, priorities shift."

John considered reducing his schedule yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "Negatively affect psychological well-being attempting to attend all these events."

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

But none appear ready to retire yet. Like in other sports where great competitors such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I think they've inspired each other."

The Lack of Challengers

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

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the tour. Exemplified by this season's results, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly to win prizes including a fax machine.

Ronnie often states that victories "isn't everything."

Yet, he has suggested in the past that losing streaks help maintain motivation.

It's been nearly two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes this birthday could motivate him.

"Perhaps that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to show his greatness," said Davis. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

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