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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he creates new techniques … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition extends beyond mere victory encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of those he admired and during this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

In professional sports, for a single 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their fifties.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, also celebrated their 50th birthdays recently.

However, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the record alongside Ronnie for most world championships, won his last ranking event at 36, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist declining. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in world snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the key difference across eras lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my form when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he explained. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and continue performing, disregard your age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that he feels "alright," adding: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

While not an athletic sport, success still relies on physical traits usually benefiting youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit through running, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands intimately.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles for everything: reading, medium distance, long distance," Mark stated recently.

The Welsh player considered lens replacement surgery but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, mainly because he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, explained that without conditions such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"All people, after thirty-five, or early forties, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she said.

"However our minds adjust to challenges throughout life, even into old age.

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

"In time in precision sports, your physique betrays your intentions," Davis commented.

"Your arm doesn't perform as required. The initial sign I noticed was that while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Shot strength is the critical factor and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," said an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting spin classes, he now admits the weight returned though intending home gym installation for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

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

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

"But I believe that's natural," John added. "As you age, focus changes."

John considered skipping some tournaments yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification rely on performance in smaller competitions.

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

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule after moving to Dubai. This event is his initial home tournament this season.

But none seem prepared to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons motivated one another to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they've inspired one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the season. This is evident current outcomes, where 11 different winners have taken the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, with exceptional natural talent rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," he said, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes like outdated technology.

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

However, he has suggested previously that losing streaks fuel his motivation.

It's been nearly two years without a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark he requires to demonstrate his greatness," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves amazing audiences.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the worlds, it would stun everyone… That would be an incredible accomplishment."