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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about his snooker idol in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … few competitors can do that".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive extends beyond winning matches to include redefining excellence in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he has surpassed the accomplishments of those he admired and during this week's UK Championship, where he holds the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked global competitors have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, also celebrated their 50th birthdays recently.

Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, claimed his final ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as a major surprise.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist fading away. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction across eras is psychological.

"I typically faulted my technique when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It felt like the natural cycle.

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

The Rocket's approach has been influenced by psychiatrist a mental coach, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger negative expectations," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," noting: "I try not to overburden myself … I appreciate where I am."

Physical Condition

While not an athletic sport, success still relies on physical traits that typically favor younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands intimately.

"It amuses me. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The two-time world champion has contemplated lens replacement surgery but postponed it repeatedly, most recently in November, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

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

"All people, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, experience reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

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

"But, should eyesight isn't the issue, other physical aspects may fail."

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your mind," Steve noted.

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

"Shot strength becomes problematic and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," said an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits lately, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly maintains stamina during long sessions.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, 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 snooker needs to continue," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's natural," Higgins continued. "As you age, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on results in lesser events.

"It's a balancing act," he said. "It can harm mental health attempting to attend all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances since relocating to Dubai. This event marks his first home tournament this season.

But none appear ready to retire yet. Like in other sports where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to greater heights, 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 one another."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "must step up despite my age with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest world title, few competitors emerged to dominate the season. Exemplified by this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed the first 11 events.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on television.

"His technique, you could immediately see," he said, observing the teen potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

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

Yet, he implied previously that droughts help maintain drive.

Almost two years since a tournament win, yet legends think this birthday could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps that turning 50 is the spark Ronnie needs to show his greatness," said Davis. "We all recognize his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze the crowd… Achieving that a historic feat."