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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond winning matches to include redefining excellence in the sport.

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 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, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked global competitors are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan became professionals in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, claimed his final ranking event in his mid-thirties, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, though, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in world snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the key difference between generations lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my technique for failures, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven otherwise. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer than expected."

The Rocket's approach was shaped through working with a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and continue performing, disregard your age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that he feels "alright," noting: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

While not physically demanding, winning depends on bodily attributes that typically favor younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands very well.

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

The Welsh player has contemplated lens replacement surgery but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that without conditions such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

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

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

"Yet, should eyesight isn't the issue, bodily factors may fail."

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

"Your cue action fails to execute as required. The initial sign I felt was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight becomes problematic and there's no solution. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with careful body management often stressing the role of diet in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

And while Higgins shed over three stone recently, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits he regained it but plans home gym installation for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect with age is practice. That passion for the game needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

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

John considered skipping some tournaments yet limited by the ranking system, where major event qualification depends on results in lesser events.

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

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. The UK Championship marks his first domestic competition this season.

But none seem prepared to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why not the others?" said a pundit. "I think they motivate each other."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "must step up because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest World Championship, few competitors risen to control the tour. This is evident this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, with innate ability rarely seen, remembered since his youth on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

Yet, he has suggested previously that losing streaks fuel his drive.

Almost two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty could motivate him.

"Who knows this milestone provides the impetus he requires to show his greatness," said Davis. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would stun everyone… Achieving that a historic feat."