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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding Steve Davis decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive isn't limited to winning matches encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their sixth decade.

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

However, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, was considered an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist declining. Here we explore how three veterans remain competitive in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the key difference across eras is psychological.

"I always blamed my form when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he stated. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven otherwise. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger negative expectations," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and continue performing, disregard your age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, winning depends on bodily attributes that typically favor younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to prevent aging effects, such as vision decline, which Williams understands very well.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles constantly: reading, mid-range, far shots," Williams shared recently.

The Welsh player has contemplated lens replacement surgery but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, mainly because he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

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

"All people, after thirty-five, or early forties, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

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

"Yet, even if vision isn't the issue, bodily factors could decline."

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

"Your cue action fails to execute properly. The first symptom I noticed was that although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor and there's no solution. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," commented an ex-winner. "He appears he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, which he claims sustains energy through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting spin classes, he now admits the weight returned but plans setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect with age is training. That passion for the game needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"However, I think that's normal," John added. "As you age, priorities shift."

John considered skipping some tournaments but is constrained due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on results in lesser events.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "Negatively affect psychological well-being trying to play all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. The UK Championship is his initial domestic competition this season.

But none seem prepared to stop playing. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I think they've inspired each other."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, rarely have players emerged to dominate the tour. This is evident this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with innate ability rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," he said, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "isn't everything."

Yet, he implied previously that droughts help maintain motivation.

Almost two years without a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire him.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark Ronnie needs to demonstrate his skill," said Davis. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the worlds, it would amaze the crowd… That would be an incredible accomplishment."