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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about Steve Davis decades ago, his response was "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive isn't limited to winning matches to include setting new standards in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

At the elite level, having just one 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that multiple top-ranked global competitors are now in their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan turned pro over thirty years ago, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

Yet, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, came as a major surprise.

The Class of 92, though, stubbornly refuse declining. This article examines why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional 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 adjusting mentally," he stated. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven otherwise. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach was shaped 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?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "acceptable," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be physically demanding, winning depends on bodily attributes usually benefiting younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, yet difficult to avoid aging effects, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Williams shared this season.

The Welsh player considered vision correction but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, primarily since he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

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

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

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

"Yet, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects could decline."

"In time in precision sports, your physique betrays your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your cue action fails to execute as required. The first symptom I felt was that although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight becomes problematic and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with careful body management often stressing the role of diet in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," commented an ex-winner. "He appears he's 50!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits lately, revealing this year he added pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, crediting regular exercise, he now admits the weight returned but plans setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect as you older is training. That passion for the game must persist," added another expert.

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's normal," John added. "Getting older, focus changes."

John considered reducing his schedule but is constrained due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "It can harm psychological well-being trying to play all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule after moving abroad. The UK Championship marks his first home tournament currently.

But none appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why not the others?" said a pundit. "I think they motivate each other."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest world title, few competitors risen to control the season. This is evident this season's results, where 11 different winners have taken the first 11 events.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses innate ability unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," he said, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table securing rewards like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "aren't crucial."

Yet, he implied previously that losing streaks help maintain drive.

Almost two years without a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps this milestone is the spark he requires to show his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would stun the crowd… That would be a historic feat."