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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about Steve Davis decades ago, his response was "he creates new techniques … not many players possess that ability".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition extends beyond winning matches encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he has surpassed the achievements of his heroes and during this week's UK Championship, where he holds records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, for a single player of that age is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that three of the top six world players have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan turned pro in 1992, also celebrated their 50th birthdays this year.

Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. Stephen Hendry, holding the record with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last ranking event at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, was considered an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, however, stubbornly refuse declining. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the key difference between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my form when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

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

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you activate negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that he feels "alright," noting: "I try not to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

While not physically demanding, winning depends on physical traits that typically favor youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, yet difficult to avoid aging effects, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows intimately.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, long distance," Mark stated this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he continues winning.

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

A vision specialist, training professionals, noted that without conditions such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"All people, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

"But our minds adjust to difficulties continuously, even into old age.

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

"In time in precision sports, your body fails your mind," Steve noted.

"Your cue action fails to execute as required. The initial sign I noticed was that while alignment was good, the speed was off.

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

Ronnie's psychological training paired with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented an ex-winner. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits lately, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he currently says he regained it though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect with age is training. That passion for snooker must persist," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's natural," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

John considered skipping some tournaments yet limited by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm mental health attempting to attend all these events."

O'Sullivan, too cut back his European schedule after moving to Dubai. The UK Championship is his initial domestic competition currently.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where great competitors such as the tennis icons pushed each other 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 believe they motivate each other."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve despite my age failing eyesight, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest world title, few competitors risen to control the season. Exemplified by this season's results, where 11 different winners have taken the first 11 events.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly to win prizes including a fax machine.

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

Yet, he has suggested previously that droughts help maintain drive.

It's been nearly two years since a tournament win, yet legends think turning fifty might inspire him.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark he requires to demonstrate his skill," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would stun everyone… That would be an incredible accomplishment."