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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … not many players can do that".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of those he admired and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six global competitors are now in their fifties.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket turned pro over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty recently.

Yet, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the record alongside Ronnie for most world championships, won his last ranking event at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, came as a major surprise.

The Class of 92, however, continue to resist declining. Here we explore how three veterans stay at the top in professional snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the key difference across eras lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my form for failures, rather than retraining my mind," he stated. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped by psychiatrist a mental coach, their partnership starting over a decade ago. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger negative expectations," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that he feels "alright," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be physically demanding, winning depends on physical traits usually benefiting youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands intimately.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, far shots," Williams shared this season.

The two-time world champion considered vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, most recently in November, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, explained that without conditions like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

"All people, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she said.

"However our minds adjust to difficulties throughout life, including senior years.

"But, even if vision remain fine, other physical aspects may fail."

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

"Your arm doesn't perform properly. The initial sign I felt was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength is the critical factor with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with careful body management often stressing nutritional importance for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," said a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting spin classes, he now admits he regained it though intending home gym installation for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect as you older is training. That love for the game needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

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

John considered reducing his schedule but is constrained by the ranking system, where tournament entries depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm psychological well-being trying to play all these events."

O'Sullivan, too cut back his tournament appearances after moving abroad. This event is his initial domestic competition this season.

Yet all three seem prepared to stop playing. Like in other sports where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to excel, 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 each other."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve despite my age failing eyesight, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest World Championship, few competitors emerged to dominate the tour. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses innate ability unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," he said, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "aren't crucial."

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

It's been nearly two years since a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that a historic feat."