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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive extends beyond winning matches encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.

Now, after three decades, he exceeded the achievements of his heroes while competing in 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 player of that age is impressive enough, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked world players are now in their fifties.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan became professionals over thirty years ago, also celebrated their 50th birthdays this year.

However, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in this sport. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, came as an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, however, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in world snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the key difference across eras lies in mentality.

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

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated that's not true. It's all mental… careers can extend beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "acceptable," noting: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

The Body

While not an athletic sport, 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, something Mark knows very well.

"It amuses me. I require glasses constantly: reading, mid-range, far shots," Williams shared recently.

The Welsh player has contemplated lens replacement surgery delaying it multiple times, latest in autumn, mainly because he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

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

"But, should eyesight remain fine, bodily factors may fail."

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your mind," Steve noted.

"Your arm doesn't perform as required. The first symptom I noticed was that while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Shot strength becomes problematic with no easy fix. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training paired with meticulous physical care often stressing the role of diet for his success.

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

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages recently, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates pre-game nutrition, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to regular exercise, he now admits the weight returned but plans home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That love for snooker needs to continue," added another expert.

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's normal," John added. "As you age, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments yet limited due to points requirements, where tournament entries rely on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he explained. "Negatively affect 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 currently.

But none appear ready to retire yet. Like in other sports where great competitors such as the tennis icons pushed each other to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why not the others?" said a pundit. "I believe they've inspired one another."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and knee problems and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest world title, rarely have players risen to control the tour. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions claimed the first 11 events.

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

"His stance, was obvious instantly," noted, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table to win prizes including a fax machine.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

Yet, he implied in the past that droughts help maintain motivation.

Almost two years since a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps this milestone provides the impetus he requires to demonstrate his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would amaze the crowd… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."