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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he invents shots … not many players can do that".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond mere victory to include redefining excellence in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, for a single 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six world players have entered their sixth decade.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty recently.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, who shares the record alongside Ronnie for most world championships, claimed his final professional tournament at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the key difference between generations lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my technique for failures, rather than retraining my mind," he explained. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have proven that's not true. It's all mental… careers can extend beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that turning 50 "acceptable," noting: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows intimately.

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

The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, explained that without conditions such as cataracts, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"All people, after thirty-five, or early forties, experience reduced lens flexibility," she said.

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

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

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your intentions," Davis commented.

"Your arm doesn't perform as required. The first symptom I noticed was that although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength becomes problematic and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with careful body management often stressing the role of diet for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, which he claims sustains energy during long sessions.

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

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect with age is practice. That passion for the game must persist," added another expert.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

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

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments but is constrained due to points requirements, where major event qualification rely on results in lesser events.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "It can harm mental health trying to play every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. This event marks his first domestic competition currently.

Yet all three appear ready to stop playing. Like in other sports where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why not the others?" said a pundit. "I believe they've inspired one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

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

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, who possesses exceptional natural talent rarely seen, remembered since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

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

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

Yet, he has suggested previously that losing streaks help maintain drive.

Almost two years without his last ranking title, yet legends think turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

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