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

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition extends beyond mere victory encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the achievements of those he admired and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, for a single player of that age is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked global competitors are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan became professionals over thirty years ago, similarly marked their 50th birthdays recently.

However, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, claimed his final professional tournament at 36, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, though, stubbornly refuse declining. Here we explore how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the key difference between generations lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my form when losing, instead of retraining my mind," he stated. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach was shaped through working with a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you activate negative expectations," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I try not to overburden myself … I appreciate where I am."

The Body

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows intimately.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles for everything: reading, medium distance, far shots," Williams shared this season.

The Welsh player considered vision correction but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, primarily since he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, noted that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"All people, by your mid-30s, or early forties, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she said.

"However our minds adjust to difficulties continuously, even into old age.

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

"Eventually in precision sports, your physique betrays your mind," Davis commented.

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. 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 and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance for his success.

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

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits lately, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates pre-game nutrition, reportedly sustains energy through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he now admits he regained it though intending setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That passion for snooker needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's natural," Higgins continued. "As you age, focus changes."

John considered skipping some tournaments yet limited by the ranking system, where major event qualification rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he said. "It can harm mental health attempting to attend all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule since relocating abroad. The UK Championship is his initial home tournament this season.

But none seem prepared to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

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

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, arm issues and bad knees yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, few competitors risen to control the tour. This is evident this season's results, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses exceptional natural talent rarely seen, remembered since his youth on television.

"His technique, you could immediately see," noted, watching the youngster potting balls quickly securing rewards including a fax machine.

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

However, he has suggested previously that droughts fuel his motivation.

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

"Who knows this milestone is the spark he requires to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the worlds, it would amaze the crowd… That would be an incredible accomplishment."