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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 possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive extends beyond winning matches to include redefining excellence in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he has surpassed the achievements of those he admired and during this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, having just one player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century means that three of the top six global competitors have entered their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan became professionals in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, who shares the record alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, claimed his final ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as a major surprise.

This legendary trio, however, stubbornly refuse declining. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the key difference between generations lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my technique for failures, instead of retraining my mind," 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."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced through working with a mental coach, their partnership starting since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate where I am."

The Body

While not an athletic sport, success still relies on bodily attributes usually benefiting younger competitors.

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

"It amuses me. I require glasses constantly: reading, mid-range, far shots," Williams shared this season.

The Welsh player considered lens replacement surgery but postponed it repeatedly, most recently in November, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, explained that without conditions like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

"All people, by your mid-30s, or early forties, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

"However our minds adjust to difficulties throughout life, even into old age.

"Yet, should eyesight remain fine, bodily factors may fail."

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

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

"Delivery weight is the critical factor with no easy fix. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with careful body management often stressing the role of diet for his success.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," said an ex-winner. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he added pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, attributing it to spin classes, he currently says the weight returned though intending home gym installation for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That passion for the game needs to continue," added another expert.

The veteran trio aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he struggles "to train consistently".

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

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments yet limited by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on results in lesser events.

"It's a balancing act," he said. "Negatively affect mental health attempting to attend all these events."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances since relocating to Dubai. The UK Championship is his initial domestic competition currently.

Yet all three seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I believe they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "must step up because I'm declining with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player won this year's world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the tour. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, remembered from his teenage appearance on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," noted, watching the youngster potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

Yet, he has suggested in the past that losing streaks fuel his motivation.

It's been nearly two years since his last ranking title, but Davis believes this birthday might inspire him.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark he requires to show his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

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