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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about Steve Davis in 1990, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory encompassing redefining excellence within snooker.

Today, after three decades, he has surpassed the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, having just one player of that age would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that multiple top-ranked global competitors have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan turned pro in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

However, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the record with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, claimed his final ranking event in his mid-thirties, while Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, came as a major surprise.

This legendary trio, however, stubbornly refuse fading away. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in professional snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, now 68, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I typically faulted my form for failures, rather than adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated otherwise. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting over a decade ago. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, 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!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," noting: "I avoid to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

The Body

Snooker may not be physically demanding, success still relies on physical traits that typically favor younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands intimately.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles constantly: reading, mid-range, far shots," Williams shared this season.

The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction delaying it repeatedly, most recently in November, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, explained that without conditions such as cataracts, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

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

"But our minds adjust to difficulties throughout life, even into old age.

"But, should eyesight isn't the issue, other physical aspects could decline."

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

"Your arm fails to execute properly. The first symptom I felt was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength is the critical factor and there's no solution. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training paired with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet for his success.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," 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, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits he regained it though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge with age is practice. That passion for the game needs to continue," added another expert.

The veteran trio aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's natural," John added. "Getting older, focus changes."

John considered reducing his schedule but is constrained due to points requirements, where tournament entries depends on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he said. "It can harm mental health attempting to attend every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. The UK Championship is his initial home tournament currently.

Yet all three seem prepared to stop playing. Similar to tennis where great competitors such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why can't they?" said a pundit. "I think they've inspired one another."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest world title, rarely have players risen to control the season. This is evident this season's results, with multiple champions claimed the first 11 events.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with innate ability rarely seen, remembered since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table to win prizes including a fax machine.

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

Yet, he implied previously that losing streaks fuel his motivation.

Almost two years since his last ranking title, but Davis believes this birthday could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps that turning 50 is the spark he requires to show his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the worlds, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."