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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory to include redefining excellence in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked global competitors are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan became professionals over thirty years ago, similarly marked their 50th birthdays recently.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the record with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, however, stubbornly refuse fading away. This article examines why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in world snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the key difference between generations lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my form for failures, rather than adjusting mentally," he explained. "It felt like inevitable progression.

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

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped by psychiatrist a mental coach, their partnership starting since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger negative expectations," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently 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 bodily attributes usually benefiting younger competitors.

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

"It amuses me. I need spectacles for everything: reading, medium distance, far shots," Williams shared this season.

The Welsh player considered vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, most recently in November, mainly because he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, explained that without conditions like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

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

"However our brains adapt to difficulties continuously, including senior years.

"Yet, even if vision remain fine, other physical aspects could decline."

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your mind," Steve noted.

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

"Delivery weight is the critical factor and there's no solution. That will occur."

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

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," said an ex-winner. "He appears he's 50!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages lately, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits he regained it though intending home gym installation for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge with age is training. That love for snooker must persist," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he struggles "to train consistently".

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

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments but is constrained by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances since relocating to Dubai. This event is his initial domestic competition currently.

Yet all three seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where great competitors such as the tennis icons motivated one another to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

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

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "must step up because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player won this year's World Championship, few competitors risen to control the tour. Exemplified by current outcomes, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with innate ability unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," he said, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

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 his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty could motivate him.

"Perhaps this milestone is the spark he requires to show his greatness," said Davis. "We all recognize his genius, and he loves amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze the crowd… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."