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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond winning matches encompassing redefining excellence within snooker.

Now, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, having just one player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their fifties.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays recently.

Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction alongside Ronnie for most world championships, claimed his final professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, though, stubbornly refuse declining. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I typically faulted my form when losing, instead of retraining my mind," he stated. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have proven otherwise. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach was shaped by psychiatrist a mental coach, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger negative expectations," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "acceptable," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

While not physically demanding, success still relies on physical traits usually benefiting youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit through running, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The Welsh player has contemplated lens replacement surgery delaying it repeatedly, most recently in November, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

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

"All people, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she said.

"But our minds adjust to difficulties continuously, including senior years.

"But, even if vision isn't the issue, bodily factors could decline."

"Eventually in precision sports, your physique betrays your mind," Steve noted.

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The initial sign I noticed involved although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Shot strength becomes problematic and there's no solution. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," said an ex-winner. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he added a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins shed over three stone recently, attributing it to regular exercise, he now admits he regained it but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge as you older is training. That love for the game 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".

"But I believe that's natural," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule yet limited by the ranking system, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he explained. "Negatively affect mental health attempting to attend every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule since relocating abroad. This event marks his first domestic competition this season.

Yet all three appear ready to stop playing. Like in other sports where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I think they motivate one another."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player won this year's World Championship, few competitors risen to control the season. Exemplified by current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability unmatched in sports, remembered from his teenage appearance on television.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly to win prizes including a fax machine.

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

However, he has suggested previously that droughts help maintain motivation.

Almost two years without a tournament win, yet legends think turning fifty could motivate 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.

"If he won this tournament, or the worlds, it would amaze the crowd… Achieving that a historic feat."