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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.

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

At the elite level, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that multiple top-ranked world players are now in their fifties.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan became professionals in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty recently.

However, such extended careers are not guaranteed in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist fading away. This article examines how three veterans remain competitive in professional snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, now 68, the key difference across eras lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my form when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he explained. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have proven otherwise. It's all mental… you can compete longer than expected."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

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

Such advice Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that turning 50 "acceptable," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I appreciate where I am."

Physical Condition

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

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

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, most recently in November, mainly because he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, experience the eye lens stiffening," she said.

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

"But, even if vision isn't the issue, bodily factors may fail."

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

"Your arm fails to execute properly. The first symptom I felt involved while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

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

Ronnie's psychological training paired with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits recently, revealing this year he added a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he now admits the weight returned though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect as you older is practice. That love for the game needs to continue," added another expert.

The veteran trio face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's natural," Higgins continued. "As you age, priorities shift."

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

"It's a balancing act," he said. "It can harm psychological well-being attempting to attend all these events."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances after moving abroad. The UK Championship is his initial home tournament this season.

But none seem prepared 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 raises the question why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I believe they've inspired one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, rarely have players risen to control the season. Exemplified by this season's results, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, with innate ability rarely seen, remembered from his teenage appearance on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," noted, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes including a fax machine.

Ronnie often states that victories "isn't everything."

However, he has suggested previously that losing streaks fuel his motivation.

Almost two years since his last ranking title, yet legends think turning fifty could motivate him.

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark he requires to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."