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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … not many players can do that".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond winning matches to include redefining excellence within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, having just one player of that age is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that multiple top-ranked global competitors have entered their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan became professionals over thirty years ago, similarly marked reaching fifty recently.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore how three veterans remain competitive in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, now 68, the key difference between generations lies in mentality.

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

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

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced through working with a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and continue performing, disregard your age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I avoid to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

While not physically demanding, winning depends on bodily attributes usually benefiting youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses constantly: reading, medium distance, far shots," Williams shared recently.

The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction delaying it repeatedly, most recently in November, primarily since he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

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

"But our brains adapt to challenges continuously, even into old age.

"But, should eyesight remain fine, bodily factors could decline."

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

"Your arm doesn't perform properly. The first symptom I noticed was that although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Shot strength is the critical factor and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance for his success.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," said an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he incorporates pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone recently, crediting spin classes, he currently says the weight returned though intending home gym installation for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge with age is practice. That passion for the game must persist," added another expert.

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

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

John considered reducing his schedule but is constrained by the ranking system, where major event qualification rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he said. "Negatively affect psychological well-being attempting to attend all these events."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his European schedule after moving abroad. The UK Championship marks his first domestic competition this season.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where great competitors such as the tennis icons motivated one another to greater heights, 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've inspired one another."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and bad knees yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the season. This is evident this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed the first 11 events.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, with innate ability rarely seen, remembered from his teenage appearance on television.

"His technique, you could immediately see," he said, watching the youngster potting balls quickly to win prizes including a fax machine.

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

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

It's been nearly two years since his last ranking title, yet legends think this birthday could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark he requires to show his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze the crowd… That would be a historic feat."