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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about Steve Davis in 1990, his response was "he creates new techniques … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond winning matches encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he exceeded the accomplishments of those he admired while competing in this week's UK Championship, where he holds records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, having just one player of that age is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that multiple top-ranked global competitors have entered their fifties.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan became professionals over thirty years ago, similarly marked reaching fifty recently.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, came as an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, however, stubbornly refuse declining. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in world snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, now 68, the key difference across eras lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my technique when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have proven that's not true. It's all mental… you can compete longer 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, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you activate negative expectations," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, disregard your age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," noting: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate where I am."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, winning depends on physical traits that typically favor youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.

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

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 neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, noted that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

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

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

"But, even if vision remain fine, bodily factors may fail."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your intentions," Davis commented.

"Your cue action doesn't perform properly. The first symptom I felt involved 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 for his success.

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

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits lately, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy through extended matches.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting spin classes, he currently says the weight returned though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge with age is practice. That passion for the game must persist," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's natural," John added. "Getting older, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule but is constrained by the ranking system, where major event qualification depends on results in lesser events.

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

O'Sullivan, too cut back his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. This event is his initial home tournament this season.

But none seem prepared to stop playing. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

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

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory 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 and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the season. Exemplified by current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on television.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, 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 motivation.

It's been nearly two years since a tournament win, yet legends think turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps this milestone is the spark he requires to demonstrate his greatness," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his talent, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

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