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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … not many players possess that ability".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive isn't limited to winning matches encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in this week's UK Championship, where he holds the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, for a single 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that multiple top-ranked world players are now in their fifties.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket became professionals over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. The seven-time world champion, who shares the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last professional tournament in his mid-thirties, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, came as a major surprise.

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

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, now 68, the key difference across eras lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my technique when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he explained. "It felt like inevitable progression.

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

The Rocket's approach has been influenced by psychiatrist a mental coach, their partnership starting since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you activate negative expectations," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, disregard your age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

The Body

While not an athletic sport, winning depends on bodily attributes usually benefiting younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, yet difficult to prevent aging effects, such as vision decline, something Mark knows intimately.

"It amuses me. I require glasses constantly: reading, medium distance, long distance," Mark stated this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction delaying it multiple times, latest in autumn, primarily since he continues winning.

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

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

"Everyone, after thirty-five, or early forties, experience reduced lens flexibility," she said.

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

"Yet, even if vision remain fine, other physical aspects may fail."

"In time in precision sports, your physique betrays your mind," Davis commented.

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

"Shot strength is the critical factor with no easy fix. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training paired with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," said an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits lately, revealing this year he added a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he now admits he regained it but plans setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect as you older is training. That passion for the game must persist," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to train consistently".

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

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

"It's a balancing act," he said. "It can harm mental health trying to play every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule after moving to Dubai. This event is his initial home tournament this season.

Yet all three appear ready to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they motivate one another."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve despite my age failing eyesight, arm issues and bad knees yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest World Championship, few competitors emerged to dominate the season. Exemplified by this season's results, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent rarely seen, as recalled since his youth on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," noted, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

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

However, he implied in the past that losing streaks help maintain motivation.

It's been nearly two years without a tournament win, yet legends think this birthday could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would amaze the crowd… That would be a historic feat."