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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to winning matches to include redefining excellence in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he has surpassed the accomplishments of those he admired while competing in this week's UK Championship, where he holds the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, having just one 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro over thirty years ago, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. Stephen Hendry, holding the record alongside Ronnie for most world championships, won his last professional tournament at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, was considered an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist declining. Here we explore how three veterans remain competitive in professional snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, now 68, the key difference between generations lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my technique when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he stated. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven otherwise. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped by psychiatrist a mental coach, their partnership starting over a decade ago. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you activate negative expectations," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that he feels "alright," noting: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate where I am."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on bodily attributes 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.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles for everything: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated recently.

The Welsh player has contemplated lens replacement surgery but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, mainly because he continues winning.

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

A vision specialist, training professionals, noted that without conditions such as cataracts, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

"All people, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

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

"Yet, should eyesight isn't the issue, other physical aspects may fail."

"Eventually in precision sports, your body fails your mind," Davis commented.

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

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

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care often stressing nutritional importance for his success.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," said an ex-winner. "He appears he's 50!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, crediting spin classes, he now admits the weight returned but plans home gym installation for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge with age is training. That passion for the game must persist," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he struggles "to practice regularly".

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

John considered skipping some tournaments yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

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

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

But none appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons motivated one another to greater heights, 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 each other."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and bad knees yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player won this year's world title, few competitors risen to control the tour. Exemplified by this season's results, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, remembered from his teenage appearance on television.

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

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "aren't crucial."

Yet, he has suggested previously that droughts fuel his drive.

Almost two years since his last ranking title, yet legends think this birthday could motivate him.

"Perhaps that turning 50 provides the impetus he requires to demonstrate his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

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