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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … not many players possess that ability".

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

Today, after three decades, he has surpassed the achievements of those he admired 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.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their fifties.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan turned pro in 1992, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction with O'Sullivan for most world championships, claimed his final professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist declining. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, now 68, the primary distinction across eras lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my form for failures, rather than adjusting mentally," he explained. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer than expected."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced through working with a mental coach, their partnership starting since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and continue performing, disregard your age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

While not physically demanding, success still relies on physical traits that typically favor youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, but it's challenging 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, long distance," Mark stated recently.

The Welsh player considered lens replacement surgery but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, explained that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"All people, by your mid-30s, or early forties, experience the eye lens stiffening," she said.

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

"Yet, should eyesight isn't the issue, other physical aspects may fail."

"Eventually in precision sports, your physique betrays your mind," Davis commented.

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

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

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with meticulous physical care often stressing the role of diet in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," said an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, crediting regular exercise, he currently says the weight returned but plans home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect with age is practice. That passion for snooker must persist," remarked a commentator.

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

"However, I think that's normal," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

John considered skipping some tournaments yet limited due to points requirements, where tournament entries depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm mental health trying to play all these events."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. The UK Championship marks his first domestic competition this season.

Yet all three appear ready to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons motivated one another to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I think they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "need to improve despite my age failing eyesight, arm issues and bad knees yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the season. This is evident this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent rarely seen, remembered from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, you could immediately see," he said, observing the teen potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

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

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

Almost two years since his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"If he won this tournament, or the worlds, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that a historic feat."