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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding Steve Davis in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … not many players can do that".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive isn't limited to mere victory to include redefining excellence within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of his heroes and during this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked global competitors have entered their fifties.

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

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament at 36, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, came as a major surprise.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in world snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, now 68, the key difference between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my technique when losing, instead of retraining my mind," he stated. "It felt like inevitable progression.

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

The Rocket's approach was shaped by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you activate negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that he feels "alright," adding: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I appreciate where I am."

The Body

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

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands very well.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles for everything: reading, mid-range, far shots," Mark stated this season.

The Welsh player considered vision correction but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that without conditions such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

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

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

"But, should eyesight isn't the issue, other physical aspects may fail."

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

"Your arm fails to execute properly. The initial sign I felt was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight becomes problematic and there's no solution. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with meticulous physical care often stressing nutritional importance for his success.

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

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he added pre-game nutrition, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone recently, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits the weight returned though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge with age is practice. That passion for snooker needs to continue," added another expert.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"However, I think that's natural," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

John considered reducing his schedule but is constrained by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on performance in smaller competitions.

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

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. This event marks his first domestic competition currently.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons motivated one another to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

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

The Lack of Challengers

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

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest world title, few competitors risen to control the tour. Exemplified by this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

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

"His technique, was obvious instantly," he said, watching the youngster potting balls quickly securing rewards including a fax machine.

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

However, he has suggested in the past that losing streaks fuel his motivation.

Almost two years since a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone provides the impetus he requires to show his skill," said Davis. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the World Championship, it would stun everyone… Achieving that a historic feat."