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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … few competitors can do that".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory encompassing redefining excellence within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that multiple top-ranked global competitors have entered their fifties.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

Yet, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the record alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, was considered an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, however, stubbornly refuse fading away. This article examines why three 50-year-olds 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 for failures, instead of adjusting mentally," he explained. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven that's not true. It's all mental… careers can extend than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, 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. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that he feels "acceptable," noting: "I avoid to overburden myself … I enjoy where I am."

The Body

While not physically demanding, winning depends on bodily attributes usually benefiting younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit through running, but it's challenging to prevent aging effects, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows intimately.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles for everything: reading, medium distance, far shots," Mark stated this season.

The Welsh player considered lens replacement surgery delaying it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

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

"All people, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

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

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

"Eventually in precision sports, your body fails your mind," Davis commented.

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The initial sign I felt was that while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight becomes problematic and there's no solution. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance in his achievements.

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

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates a pre-match meal, which he claims sustains energy through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight recently, crediting regular exercise, he now admits he regained it but plans home gym installation for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect as you older is practice. That passion for snooker needs to continue," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's normal," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

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

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

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances after moving abroad. This event marks his first domestic competition currently.

Yet all three appear ready to retire yet. Like in other sports where great competitors such as the tennis icons motivated one another to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why not the others?" said a pundit. "I think they motivate each other."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, few competitors risen to control the season. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses innate ability rarely seen, remembered from his teenage appearance on television.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

However, he implied in the past that losing streaks help maintain drive.

Almost two years without a tournament win, yet legends think this birthday could motivate him.

"Perhaps this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to show his skill," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that a historic feat."