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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … not many players can do that".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive isn't limited to winning matches encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the achievements of those he admired and during this week's UK Championship, where he holds records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, for a single 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that three of the top six global competitors are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, claimed his final professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as a major surprise.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist fading away. This article examines how three veterans remain competitive in professional snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my form when losing, instead of retraining my mind," he stated. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated otherwise. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced through working with Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and continue performing, disregard your age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on bodily attributes that typically favor younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, yet difficult to prevent aging effects, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows very well.

"It amuses me. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, long distance," Williams shared this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction delaying it multiple times, latest in autumn, mainly because he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, training professionals, explained that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, or early forties, experience the eye lens stiffening," she said.

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

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

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your arm doesn't perform properly. The first symptom I felt involved while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training paired with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance for his success.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented an ex-winner. "He appears he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits lately, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, attributing it to regular exercise, he currently says he regained it though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge with age is training. That love 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 practice regularly".

"But I believe that's natural," Higgins continued. "As you age, focus changes."

John considered skipping some tournaments but is constrained by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he said. "Negatively affect mental health trying to play every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule after moving to Dubai. The UK Championship marks his first domestic competition this season.

Yet all three appear ready to retire yet. Like in other sports where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to greater heights, 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 motivate each other."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the tour. Exemplified by this season's results, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, with innate ability rarely seen, remembered since his youth on television.

"His stance, you could immediately see," he said, watching the youngster potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

Ronnie often states that victories "aren't crucial."

Yet, he implied in the past that droughts help maintain drive.

Almost two years since his last ranking title, yet legends think turning fifty might inspire him.

"Perhaps this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

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