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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about Steve Davis in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to winning matches to include setting new standards within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies 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 became professionals in 1992, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

However, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, holding the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, claimed his final ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction across eras lies in mentality.

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

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

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, 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 keep delivering, then ignore age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that turning 50 "acceptable," adding: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I appreciate where I am."

The Body

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

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, but it's challenging to prevent aging effects, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, long distance," Williams shared this season.

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

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

"All people, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she said.

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

"Yet, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects may fail."

"Eventually in precision sports, your body fails your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your arm fails to execute properly. The initial sign I felt involved although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

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

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance for his success.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," commented a former champion. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages lately, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone recently, crediting regular exercise, he now admits he regained it but plans home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

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

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

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

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

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

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances after moving abroad. The UK Championship is his initial home tournament currently.

Yet all three seem prepared to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I think they motivate one another."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "need to improve despite my age failing eyesight, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the tour. This is evident this season's results, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses innate ability unmatched in sports, as recalled from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," he said, watching the youngster potting balls quickly securing rewards including a fax machine.

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

However, he implied in the past that droughts help maintain motivation.

It's been nearly two years since a tournament win, yet legends think turning fifty could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "We all recognize his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would stun the crowd… That would be a historic feat."