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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory to include redefining excellence in the sport.

Now, after three decades, he has surpassed the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in this week's UK Championship, where he holds records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, for a single 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that three of the top six global competitors are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro over thirty years ago, similarly marked reaching fifty recently.

However, such extended careers are not guaranteed in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, claimed his final professional tournament in his mid-thirties, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist declining. This article examines how three veterans remain competitive in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the key difference across eras is psychological.

"I always blamed my form when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. It's all mental… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach was shaped through working with a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

The Body

While not physically demanding, success still relies on physical traits usually benefiting youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, 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.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

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

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

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

"Eventually in precision sports, your physique betrays your mind," Steve noted.

"Your arm doesn't perform properly. The first symptom I noticed was that although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

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

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," commented a former champion. "He appears he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he added pre-game nutrition, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he now admits the weight returned though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That love for the game needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he struggles "to train consistently".

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

John considered skipping some tournaments yet limited due to points requirements, where tournament entries rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he explained. "Negatively affect psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. This event is his initial home tournament this season.

But none seem prepared to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I think they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "must step up despite my age with poor vision, a unreliable arm and bad knees and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, few competitors emerged to dominate the season. Exemplified by this season's results, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

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

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

Ronnie often states that victories "aren't crucial."

Yet, he implied previously that droughts help maintain drive.

It's been nearly two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty could motivate him.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark he requires to show his skill," said Davis. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves amazing audiences.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the worlds, it would amaze the crowd… That would be a historic feat."