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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive extends beyond mere victory to include setting new standards in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he exceeded the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in this week's UK Championship, where he holds the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, yet his half-century means that three of the top six world players have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan became professionals over thirty years ago, also celebrated their 50th birthdays recently.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. Stephen Hendry, holding the record alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, claimed his final ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, was considered an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, though, stubbornly refuse declining. This article examines 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 between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my form when losing, rather than adjusting mentally," he explained. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

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

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate where I am."

The Body

While not an athletic sport, winning depends on physical traits usually benefiting youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, yet difficult to prevent aging effects, such as vision decline, which Williams understands very well.

"It amuses me. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, noted that without conditions such as cataracts, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, experience the eye lens stiffening," she said.

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

"But, even if vision remain fine, other physical aspects may fail."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your arm doesn't perform properly. The initial sign I felt was that although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

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

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," said an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he incorporates pre-game nutrition, which he claims sustains energy through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to spin classes, he currently says he regained it though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect with age is training. That passion for snooker needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's normal," John added. "As you age, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule but is constrained by the ranking system, where tournament entries depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he said. "Negatively affect mental health attempting to attend all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. This event marks his first domestic competition currently.

But none appear ready to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why can't they?" said a pundit. "I think they motivate each other."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "need to improve because I'm declining failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and bad knees yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the tour. This is evident this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, as recalled from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," he said, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes including a fax machine.

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

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

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

"Perhaps this milestone is the spark Ronnie needs to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves amazing audiences.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that a historic feat."