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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis decades ago, he remarked "he invents shots … not many players can do that".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory encompassing redefining excellence within snooker.

Now, after three decades, he has surpassed the accomplishments of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that multiple top-ranked world players are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan turned pro over thirty years ago, similarly marked reaching fifty recently.

Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie for most world championships, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, was considered a major surprise.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist fading away. This article examines why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, now 68, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my technique for failures, rather than adjusting mentally," he explained. "It felt like the natural cycle.

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

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. 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," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that he feels "acceptable," noting: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

While not an athletic sport, success still relies on physical traits that typically favor younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid aging effects, such as vision decline, something Mark knows intimately.

"It amuses me. I require glasses constantly: reading, medium distance, far shots," Williams shared recently.

The two-time world champion has contemplated lens replacement surgery delaying it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, explained that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"All people, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, experience the eye lens stiffening," she said.

"However our brains adapt to challenges continuously, even into old age.

"Yet, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects could decline."

"In time in precision sports, your physique betrays your intentions," Steve noted.

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

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

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," said an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits recently, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, crediting regular exercise, he now admits the weight returned but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect as you older is training. That love for the game needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

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

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

John considered skipping some tournaments yet limited by the ranking system, 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 has reduced his European schedule after moving to Dubai. The UK Championship is his initial home tournament this season.

Yet all three seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why not the others?" said a pundit. "I believe they've inspired each other."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "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.

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

"His technique, you could immediately see," noted, watching the youngster potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

Ronnie often states that victories "isn't everything."

Yet, he has suggested in the past that losing streaks fuel his motivation.

It's been nearly two years since his last ranking title, but Davis believes this birthday might inspire him.

"Perhaps this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to show his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that a historic feat."