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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … not many players can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition extends beyond mere victory to include setting new standards within snooker.

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

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that three of the top six world players have entered their sixth decade.

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

Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction alongside Ronnie for most world championships, claimed his final professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, was considered an unexpected result.

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

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction across eras lies in mentality.

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

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you activate negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," adding: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

The Body

Snooker may not be physically demanding, success still relies on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, far shots," Williams shared this season.

The Welsh player has contemplated lens replacement surgery but postponed it multiple times, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, explained that without conditions like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

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

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

"Yet, should eyesight remain fine, bodily factors may fail."

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your mind," Davis commented.

"Your cue action fails to execute as required. The first symptom I noticed involved although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Shot strength is the critical factor with no easy fix. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with careful body management often stressing nutritional importance for his success.

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

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits lately, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting spin classes, he now admits the weight returned but plans home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect as you older is training. That passion for the game needs to continue," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's normal," John added. "Getting older, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he said. "It can harm mental health attempting to attend every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. This event is his initial domestic competition this season.

But none appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I think they've inspired one another."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees 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 current outcomes, where 11 different winners have taken the first 11 events.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability rarely seen, as recalled since his youth on television.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, watching the youngster potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

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

It's been nearly two years since a tournament win, yet legends think this birthday might inspire him.

"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus he requires to show his skill," said Davis. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

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