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

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive extends beyond mere victory encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of those he admired and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, for a single 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, 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 became professionals over thirty years ago, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

Yet, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, holding the record alongside Ronnie for most world championships, won his last professional tournament at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

Mental Strength

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

"I always blamed my technique for failures, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven otherwise. It's all mental… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach was shaped by psychiatrist a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

While not an athletic sport, winning depends on bodily attributes that typically favor younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to prevent aging effects, such as vision decline, something Mark knows intimately.

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

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

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

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

"But our brains adapt to challenges continuously, even into old age.

"Yet, even if vision isn't the issue, other physical aspects could decline."

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The initial sign I noticed was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength becomes problematic with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," commented an ex-winner. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, attributing it to regular exercise, he now admits the weight returned but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect as you older is training. That love for snooker must persist," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's normal," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments but is constrained 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 attempting to attend all these events."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. The UK Championship is his initial home tournament currently.

But none appear ready 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 raises the question why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I believe they've inspired one another."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player won this year's world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the season. This is evident this season's results, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability unmatched in sports, remembered from his teenage appearance on television.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly to win prizes including a fax machine.

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

However, he implied in the past that droughts fuel his motivation.

Almost two years since a tournament win, yet legends think turning fifty could motivate him.

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark he requires to demonstrate his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

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