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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … not many players can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to winning matches to include redefining excellence in the sport.

Now, after three decades, he exceeded the achievements of his heroes and during this week's UK Championship, where he holds records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their fifties.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan turned pro in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, however, continue to resist declining. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, now 68, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my form when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he explained. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. It's all mental… you can compete longer than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting over a decade ago. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that he feels "alright," noting: "I avoid to overburden myself … I appreciate where I am."

Physical Condition

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

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, yet difficult to prevent aging effects, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Williams shared this season.

The Welsh player considered vision correction delaying it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, noted that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, or early forties, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

"But our brains adapt to challenges continuously, including senior years.

"Yet, should eyesight isn't the issue, bodily factors could decline."

"Eventually in precision sports, your physique betrays your intentions," Davis commented.

"Your cue action fails to execute properly. The initial sign I felt involved while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Shot strength is the critical factor and there's no solution. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet for his success.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he added pre-game nutrition, which he claims sustains energy during long sessions.

And while Higgins shed over three stone recently, crediting spin classes, he currently says he regained it though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That love for snooker must persist," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September 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 due to points requirements, where major event qualification rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm mental health attempting to attend all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. The UK Championship is his initial domestic competition this season.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they've inspired one another."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the season. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions claimed the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses exceptional natural talent rarely seen, remembered from his teenage appearance on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," he said, observing the teen potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

Ronnie often states that victories "isn't everything."

Yet, he implied previously that droughts fuel his motivation.

Almost two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes this birthday might inspire him.

"Perhaps that turning 50 is the spark he requires to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his genius, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would stun the crowd… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."