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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition extends beyond winning matches to include setting new standards in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of those he admired and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that three of the top six global competitors have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan turned pro in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

However, such extended careers are not guaranteed in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie for most world championships, claimed his final ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, was considered an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist fading away. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the key difference across eras lies in mentality.

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

"These three champions have proven otherwise. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer than expected."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced by psychiatrist a mental coach, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that he feels "alright," noting: "I avoid to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

While not an athletic sport, winning depends on physical traits that typically favor youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to prevent aging effects, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands intimately.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, far shots," Mark stated recently.

The two-time world champion considered vision correction delaying it repeatedly, most recently in November, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, explained that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

"All people, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, experience reduced lens flexibility," she said.

"But our minds adjust to challenges continuously, even into old age.

"But, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects could decline."

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your mind," Steve noted.

"Your cue action fails to execute properly. The first symptom I noticed was that although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength is the critical factor with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet in his achievements.

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

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

Although John Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits the weight returned though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect with age is practice. That passion for snooker must persist," added another expert.

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

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

John considered reducing his schedule yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on results in lesser events.

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

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances after moving abroad. This event marks his first domestic competition this season.

Yet all three appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why not the others?" said a pundit. "I believe they've inspired one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "must step up despite my age failing eyesight, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player won this year's world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the season. Exemplified by current outcomes, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on television.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes like outdated technology.

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

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

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 skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would amaze the crowd… That would be a historic feat."