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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol in 1990, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition extends beyond mere victory encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Today, after three decades, he has surpassed the achievements of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked world players are now in their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket became professionals over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. Stephen Hendry, holding the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, claimed his final professional tournament at 36, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

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

Mental Strength

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction between generations lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my technique for failures, instead of adjusting mentally," he explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have demonstrated that's not true. It's all mental… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced through working with a mental coach, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger negative expectations," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and continue performing, disregard your age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I avoid to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

The Body

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

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands intimately.

"It amuses me. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated recently.

The Welsh player considered 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 provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, or early forties, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

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

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

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

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

"Delivery weight is the critical factor and there's no solution. 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 avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," commented an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

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

Although John Higgins shed over three stone recently, crediting spin classes, he currently says the weight returned but plans home gym installation for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect as you older is practice. That love for the game must persist," added another expert.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's normal," Higgins continued. "Getting older, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments yet limited by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm psychological well-being attempting to attend every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his European schedule since relocating abroad. This event marks his first domestic competition currently.

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

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why not the others?" said a pundit. "I think they motivate one another."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "must step up because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

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

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses innate ability unmatched in sports, as recalled from his teenage appearance on television.

"His technique, you could immediately see," noted, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

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

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

"Who knows this milestone provides the impetus he requires to show his skill," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that a historic feat."