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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … few competitors can do that".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive extends beyond winning matches encompassing redefining excellence within snooker.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of those he admired while competing in this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, for a single 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, yet his half-century means that three of the top six world players have entered their fifties.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, also celebrated reaching fifty recently.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as a major surprise.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist declining. This article examines how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, now 68, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my technique when losing, rather than adjusting mentally," he explained. "It felt like the natural cycle.

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

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist a mental coach, their partnership starting over a decade ago. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy this life stage."

The Body

While not physically demanding, success still relies on bodily attributes usually benefiting youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to avoid aging effects, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles for everything: reading, mid-range, far shots," Mark stated recently.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction delaying it multiple times, most recently in November, mainly because he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, training professionals, noted that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

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

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

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

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

"Your arm fails to execute as required. The initial sign I felt involved although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength becomes problematic and there's no solution. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," commented a former champion. "He appears he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting spin classes, he now admits he regained it but plans setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That love for snooker must persist," added another expert.

The veteran trio aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

"However, I think that's normal," Higgins continued. "As you age, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule yet limited by the ranking system, where tournament entries depends on performance in smaller competitions.

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

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

But none appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons motivated one another to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I think they've inspired one another."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, few competitors emerged to dominate the season. Exemplified by current outcomes, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on television.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," he said, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

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

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

Almost two years since a tournament win, yet legends think this birthday might inspire him.

"Perhaps that turning 50 is the spark Ronnie needs to show his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

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