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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis in 1990, his response was "he creates new techniques … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond winning matches to include setting new standards in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of those he admired while competing in this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, having just one player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked global competitors have entered their fifties.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan became professionals over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

However, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament in his mid-thirties, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, was considered an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, though, continue to resist fading away. This article examines how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my technique for failures, instead of retraining my mind," he explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven that's not true. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer than expected."

The Rocket's approach was shaped by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you activate negative expectations," 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."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "acceptable," noting: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

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

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, but it's challenging to avoid aging effects, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses constantly: reading, medium distance, long distance," Williams shared this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated lens replacement surgery but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

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

A vision specialist, training professionals, noted that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, or early forties, experience reduced lens flexibility," she said.

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

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

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your arm fails to execute properly. 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."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with meticulous physical care often stressing nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," said an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he now admits he regained it though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge with age is practice. That love for snooker needs to continue," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's normal," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

John considered skipping some tournaments but is constrained by the ranking system, where tournament entries depends on results in lesser events.

"It's a balancing act," he said. "It can harm psychological well-being attempting to attend every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. This event is his initial domestic competition currently.

Yet all three appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons motivated one another to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they've inspired each other."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player won this year's world title, few competitors emerged to dominate the season. Exemplified by this season's results, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, as recalled from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," he said, observing the teen potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

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

Yet, he implied in the past that droughts help maintain drive.

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

"Perhaps this milestone is the spark Ronnie needs to show his skill," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would stun everyone… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."