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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about Steve Davis in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … few competitors can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive extends beyond mere victory encompassing redefining excellence within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the achievements of his heroes 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, having just one player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century means that three of the top six world players are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket became professionals over thirty years ago, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

Yet, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, claimed his final professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, came as a major surprise.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist declining. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in world snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the key difference between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my technique for failures, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

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

The Rocket's approach was shaped by psychiatrist a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," noting: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I enjoy this life stage."

Physical Condition

While not physically demanding, success still relies on physical traits that typically favor younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to prevent aging effects, such as vision decline, which Williams understands very well.

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

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

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

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she said.

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

"But, even if vision isn't the issue, other physical aspects could decline."

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

"Your arm doesn't perform as required. The first symptom I felt was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength is the critical factor and there's no solution. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with meticulous physical care often stressing the role of diet for his success.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented an ex-winner. "He appears he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he now admits he regained it though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge with age is training. That love for the game must persist," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's natural," John added. "As you age, priorities shift."

John considered reducing his schedule but is constrained by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on performance in smaller competitions.

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

O'Sullivan, too cut back his European schedule after moving abroad. The UK Championship is his initial home tournament 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 excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why can't they?" said a pundit. "I think they motivate one another."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "must step up because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the tour. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," he said, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table securing rewards like outdated technology.

Ronnie often states that victories "aren't crucial."

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

It's been nearly two years without his last ranking title, yet legends think this birthday could motivate him.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark he requires to demonstrate his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves amazing audiences.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… That would be a historic feat."