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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive extends beyond mere victory to include redefining excellence in the sport.

Now, after three decades, he exceeded the accomplishments of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

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 together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan became professionals over thirty years ago, similarly marked their 50th birthdays recently.

Yet, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie for most world championships, claimed his final ranking event in his mid-thirties, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, though, stubbornly refuse fading away. This article examines why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in world snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the key difference between generations lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my form when losing, rather than adjusting mentally," he explained. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven that's not true. It's all mental… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced by psychiatrist a mental coach, their partnership starting over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I avoid to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

The Body

Snooker may not be physically demanding, winning depends on bodily attributes that typically favor younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, yet difficult to prevent other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses constantly: reading, medium distance, far shots," Williams shared recently.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, primarily since he continues winning.

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

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, explained that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

"All people, by your mid-30s, or early forties, experience reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

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

"Yet, even if vision isn't the issue, other physical aspects could decline."

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

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The first symptom I noticed was that although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength becomes problematic with no easy fix. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," said an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he added pre-game nutrition, which he claims maintains stamina through extended matches.

And while Higgins shed over three stone recently, attributing it to spin classes, he currently says the weight returned but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

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

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

"However, I think that's normal," Higgins continued. "As you age, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments yet limited by the ranking system, where major event qualification rely on performance in smaller competitions.

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

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. This event is his initial home tournament this season.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I believe they motivate each other."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining failing eyesight, 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 tour. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability rarely seen, remembered from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," noted, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table to win prizes like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "isn't everything."

Yet, he implied previously that losing streaks fuel his drive.

It's been nearly two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire him.

"Who knows this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to show his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that a historic feat."