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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he creates new techniques … not many players possess that ability".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to winning matches encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Now, after three decades, he has surpassed the accomplishments of those he admired and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan turned pro over thirty years ago, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

Yet, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last ranking event at 36, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, however, stubbornly refuse fading away. This article examines why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in world snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the key difference between generations lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my form for failures, instead of adjusting mentally," he explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have proven that's not true. It's all mental… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and continue performing, then ignore age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I avoid to overburden myself … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

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

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.

"It amuses me. I require glasses constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated recently.

The two-time world champion considered lens replacement surgery but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

"All people, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

"However our brains adapt to difficulties throughout life, including senior years.

"But, should eyesight isn't the issue, other physical aspects could decline."

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your intentions," Davis commented.

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

"Shot strength becomes problematic with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

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

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, attributing it to regular exercise, he currently says he regained it though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect with age is training. That love for the game must persist," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's normal," John added. "Getting older, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule yet limited by the ranking system, where major event qualification rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he explained. "Negatively affect psychological well-being attempting to attend every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too cut back his European schedule after moving abroad. The UK Championship is his initial home tournament currently.

Yet all three appear ready to stop playing. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I believe they motivate each other."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, arm issues and bad knees yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest World Championship, few competitors emerged to dominate the season. Exemplified by current outcomes, with multiple champions claimed the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," he said, watching the youngster potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

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

However, he implied in the past that losing streaks fuel his motivation.

It's been nearly two years since his last ranking title, yet legends think this birthday could motivate him.

"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his skill," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his genius, and he loves amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would stun the crowd… That would be an incredible accomplishment."