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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to winning matches encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Now, 35 years later, he exceeded the achievements of those he admired while competing in this week's UK Championship, where he holds the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that multiple top-ranked global competitors are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, also celebrated reaching fifty recently.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the record alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist declining. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

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

"These three champions have proven otherwise. It's all mental… you can compete longer than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated 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 activate negative expectations," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that he feels "alright," noting: "I avoid to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

The Body

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on bodily attributes that typically favor youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows intimately.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles constantly: reading, mid-range, far shots," Williams shared this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction delaying it multiple times, most recently in November, primarily since he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, explained that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"All people, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, experience reduced lens flexibility," she said.

"However our minds adjust to difficulties throughout life, including senior years.

"Yet, should eyesight remain fine, bodily factors could decline."

"In time in precision sports, your body fails your mind," Steve noted.

"Your arm doesn't perform properly. The initial sign I felt was that although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Shot strength is the critical factor with no easy fix. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet for his success.

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

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits he regained it but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

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

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September 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 major event qualification 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 tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. This event marks his first home tournament currently.

But none appear ready to stop playing. Like in other sports where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why can't they?" 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 remarked that new generation "must step up because I'm declining with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest world title, few competitors risen to control the tour. Exemplified by current outcomes, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with innate ability unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on television.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

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

However, he implied previously that losing streaks help maintain drive.

Almost two years since a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire him.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark he requires to show his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would stun everyone… That would be an incredible accomplishment."