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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding his snooker idol decades ago, he remarked "he invents shots … few competitors can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to winning matches encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.

Now, after three decades, he has surpassed the achievements of his heroes while competing in this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, having just one 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, who like O'Sullivan turned pro over thirty years ago, similarly marked reaching fifty recently.

However, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the record alongside Ronnie for most world championships, claimed his final professional tournament at 36, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, came as a major surprise.

The Class of 92, though, stubbornly refuse declining. This article examines how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction across eras is psychological.

"I typically faulted my form when losing, rather than adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

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

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped through working with a mental coach, their partnership starting since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," noting: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

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

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to prevent aging effects, such as vision decline, which Williams understands intimately.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction delaying it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

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

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

"But, should eyesight isn't the issue, other physical aspects could decline."

"In time in precision sports, your body fails your intentions," Davis commented.

"Your cue action fails to execute properly. The first symptom I noticed involved although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

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

Ronnie's psychological training paired with careful body management often stressing the role of diet in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," said a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits lately, revealing this year he added pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to regular exercise, he currently says the weight returned but plans home gym installation for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge with age is practice. That passion for snooker must persist," added another expert.

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he struggles "to train consistently".

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

John considered reducing his schedule yet limited due to points requirements, where tournament entries rely on results in lesser events.

"It's a balancing act," he said. "Negatively affect mental health attempting to attend all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. This event marks his first home tournament this season.

But none appear ready to retire yet. Like in other sports where legendary rivals 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 can't they?" said a pundit. "I think they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "must step up because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, few competitors risen to control the season. Exemplified by current outcomes, where 11 different winners have taken the first 11 events.

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

"His technique, you could immediately see," he said, watching the youngster potting balls quickly securing rewards including a fax machine.

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

However, he implied previously that losing streaks fuel his motivation.

It's been nearly two years without a tournament win, yet legends think turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark Ronnie needs to show his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."