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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond winning matches to include setting new standards within snooker.

Now, 35 years later, he exceeded the achievements of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone means 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 in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, claimed his final ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, though, continue to resist declining. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in world snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, now 68, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my form when losing, rather than adjusting mentally," he stated. "It felt like the natural cycle.

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

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and continue performing, disregard your age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I appreciate where I am."

Physical Condition

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

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

"I find it funny. I require glasses constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated this season.

The Welsh player considered vision correction but postponed it multiple times, latest in autumn, primarily since he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, explained that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, or early forties, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

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

"But, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects could decline."

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

"Your arm fails to execute as required. The initial sign I noticed involved while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with careful body management often stressing the role of diet in his achievements.

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

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he added pre-game nutrition, which he claims sustains energy through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to regular exercise, he now admits the weight returned but plans home gym installation for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge as you older is training. That love for the game must persist," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he struggles "to practice regularly".

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

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments but is constrained due to points requirements, where tournament entries rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "It can harm mental health trying to play all these events."

O'Sullivan, too cut back his European schedule since relocating abroad. This event is his initial home tournament this season.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question 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 remarked that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and bad knees yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, few competitors risen to control the tour. Exemplified by this season's results, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, with innate ability unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

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

Yet, he has suggested previously that losing streaks help maintain motivation.

Almost two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes this birthday might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to show his skill," said Davis. "Everyone knows his talent, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

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