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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … few competitors can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Now, after three decades, he has surpassed the achievements of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked global competitors have entered their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, also celebrated reaching fifty recently.

Yet, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament at 36, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, however, continue to resist declining. This article examines how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction across eras is psychological.

"I always blamed my technique when losing, instead of retraining my mind," he explained. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated otherwise. It's all mental… careers can extend beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach was shaped through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you activate negative expectations," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "acceptable," noting: "I try not to overburden myself … I appreciate where I am."

The Body

While not an athletic sport, winning depends on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, something Mark knows very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, far shots," Williams shared recently.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction delaying it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, noted that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, or early forties, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

"However our brains adapt to challenges continuously, including senior years.

"But, even if vision remain fine, other physical aspects could decline."

"Eventually in precision sports, your body fails your mind," Davis commented.

"Your arm doesn't perform properly. 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 nutritional importance for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," said a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

And while Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, attributing it to regular exercise, he now admits the weight returned but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge with age 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 struggles "to practice regularly".

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

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "Negatively affect mental health trying to play all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his tournament appearances after moving abroad. This event marks his first domestic competition currently.

Yet all three appear ready to stop playing. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they've inspired one another."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, 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 tour. This is evident this season's results, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, with exceptional natural talent rarely seen, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, watching the youngster potting balls quickly securing rewards including a fax machine.

Ronnie often states that victories "aren't crucial."

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

Almost two years since a tournament win, but Davis believes this birthday might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the worlds, it would stun everyone… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."