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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory to include setting new standards in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six world players have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan turned pro in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, claimed his final ranking event at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, was considered an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, however, stubbornly refuse fading away. This article examines how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the key difference between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my form for failures, rather than retraining my mind," he explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven that's not true. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer than expected."

The Rocket's approach was shaped by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and continue performing, then ignore age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that turning 50 "acceptable," noting: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

Physical Condition

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

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, yet difficult to prevent other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated recently.

The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, explained that without conditions such as cataracts, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"All people, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

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

"But, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects may fail."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your intentions," Davis commented.

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

"Delivery weight is the critical factor and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance for his success.

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

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he now admits he regained it but plans home gym installation for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect with age is training. That passion for snooker must persist," added another expert.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's natural," John added. "Getting older, 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 trying to play all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule after moving to Dubai. The UK Championship marks his first home tournament currently.

Yet all three seem prepared to stop playing. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

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

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "need to improve because I'm declining failing eyesight, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest World Championship, few competitors emerged to dominate the tour. This is evident this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed the first 11 events.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses innate ability rarely seen, remembered from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table to win prizes like outdated technology.

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

Yet, he implied in the past that droughts fuel his motivation.

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

"Perhaps that turning 50 is the spark he requires to demonstrate his greatness," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his talent, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would amaze the crowd… Achieving that a historic feat."