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

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive isn't limited to mere victory encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Now, 35 years later, he exceeded the achievements of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that multiple top-ranked global competitors have entered their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan became professionals in 1992, also celebrated their 50th birthdays this year.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament at 36, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

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

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction between generations lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my form when losing, instead of retraining my mind," he explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven otherwise. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced through working with a mental coach, their partnership starting over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "acceptable," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

The Body

While not physically demanding, success still relies on bodily attributes that typically favor youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands very well.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, most recently in November, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, training professionals, noted that without conditions such as cataracts, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

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

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

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

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

"Your arm fails to execute as required. The first symptom I felt was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength becomes problematic and there's no solution. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented a former champion. "He appears he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, revealing this year he added a pre-match meal, which he claims sustains energy during long sessions.

And while Higgins shed over three stone recently, crediting spin classes, he currently says the weight returned though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect as you older is training. That passion for snooker needs to continue," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"However, I think that's natural," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

John considered skipping some tournaments but is constrained by the ranking system, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he explained. "Negatively affect psychological well-being trying to play all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. This event is his initial home tournament currently.

But none appear ready to stop playing. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I think they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, a unreliable arm and bad knees yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, few competitors risen to control the season. This is evident this season's results, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with innate ability rarely seen, remembered from his teenage appearance on television.

"His technique, you could immediately see," he said, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "isn't everything."

However, he has suggested in the past that droughts fuel his drive.

It's been nearly two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes this birthday could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

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