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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to winning matches to include setting new standards in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he exceeded the achievements of those he admired while competing in this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

At the elite level, having just one 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their sixth decade.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket turned pro over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, was considered an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, now 68, the key difference between generations lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my form when losing, rather than adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have proven that's not true. It's all mental… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced through working with a mental coach, their partnership starting over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you activate negative expectations," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy this life stage."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be physically demanding, success still relies on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands intimately.

"It amuses me. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, far shots," Mark stated recently.

The Welsh player considered lens replacement surgery but postponed it repeatedly, most recently in November, primarily since he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, 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.

"But our brains adapt to difficulties continuously, even into old age.

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

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your mind," Davis commented.

"Your cue action fails to execute properly. The first symptom I noticed involved while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength becomes problematic with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with meticulous physical care often stressing the role of diet for his success.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," said a former champion. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits recently, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, which he claims sustains energy through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting spin classes, he now admits the weight returned but plans home gym installation for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

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

The veteran trio aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's normal," Higgins continued. "Getting older, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments but is constrained due to points requirements, where major event qualification rely on performance in smaller competitions.

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

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. This event is his initial domestic competition this season.

Yet all three appear ready to stop playing. Like in other sports where great competitors such as the tennis icons 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 think they've inspired one another."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "must step up despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

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

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

"His technique, was obvious instantly," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly securing rewards including a fax machine.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "aren't crucial."

Yet, he has suggested in the past that losing streaks fuel his drive.

It's been nearly two years since his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the World Championship, it would stun the crowd… That would be a historic feat."