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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … not many players can do that".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition extends beyond mere victory to include setting new standards in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he exceeded the achievements of those he admired and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, having just one player of that age is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six world players have entered their fifties.

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

Yet, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, who shares the record alongside Ronnie for most world championships, 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 declining. This article examines why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in professional snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction between generations lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my technique for failures, instead of adjusting mentally," he explained. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated that's not true. It's all mental… you can compete longer than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped through working with Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that he feels "alright," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

The Body

While not an athletic sport, winning depends on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit through running, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.

"It amuses me. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, far shots," Mark stated this season.

The Welsh player considered vision correction but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, noted that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, or early forties, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

"However our minds adjust to challenges continuously, even into old age.

"But, even if vision isn't the issue, bodily factors could decline."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your mind," Steve noted.

"Your cue action doesn't perform properly. The first symptom I felt was that although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training paired with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he incorporates pre-game nutrition, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, attributing it to regular exercise, he currently says he regained it though intending home gym installation for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"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 from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"But I believe 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 challenging," he said. "Negatively affect psychological well-being attempting to attend all these events."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances after moving abroad. The UK Championship marks his first domestic competition this season.

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

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

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan observed 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 emerged to dominate the season. This is evident this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, with innate ability rarely seen, remembered since his youth on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," noted, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

Yet, he implied in the past that droughts fuel his motivation.

Almost two years since his last ranking title, yet legends think turning fifty could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus he requires to demonstrate his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves amazing audiences.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would stun the crowd… Achieving that a historic feat."