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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about Steve Davis decades ago, his response was "he creates new techniques … not many players can do that".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive isn't limited to winning matches encompassing redefining excellence within snooker.

Today, after three decades, he exceeded the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, having just one 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that three of the top six global competitors have entered their sixth decade.

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.

However, such extended careers are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the record with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, claimed his final ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, 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.

The Mind

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction across eras is psychological.

"I typically faulted my technique when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated otherwise. It's all mental… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I avoid to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

Physical Condition

While not an athletic sport, success still relies on bodily attributes that typically favor younger competitors.

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

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

The two-time world champion considered lens replacement surgery but postponed it multiple times, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, explained that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, or early forties, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

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

"But, even if vision remain fine, bodily factors could decline."

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

"Your cue action doesn't perform properly. The first symptom I felt involved although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength is the critical factor and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training paired with meticulous physical care often stressing the role of diet in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits he regained it though intending home gym installation for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect as you older is practice. That passion for the game needs to continue," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he struggles "to practice regularly".

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

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

"It's challenging," he said. "Negatively affect psychological well-being trying to play all these events."

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

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why not the others?" said a pundit. "I think they've inspired each other."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "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, few competitors risen to control the season. Exemplified by current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.

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

"His stance, you could immediately see," he said, watching the youngster potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

Ronnie often states that victories "aren't crucial."

However, he implied previously that droughts fuel his motivation.

It's been nearly two years without a tournament win, but Davis believes this birthday could motivate him.

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark he requires to demonstrate his greatness," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the World Championship, it would stun everyone… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."