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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about Steve Davis in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to winning matches encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he has surpassed the achievements of those he admired and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

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

Mark Williams and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, also celebrated their 50th birthdays recently.

Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, claimed his final ranking event at 36, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, came as a major surprise.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my technique for failures, instead of retraining my mind," he stated. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have proven otherwise. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

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, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you activate negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, winning depends on bodily attributes usually benefiting youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, yet difficult to prevent aging effects, such as vision decline, which Williams understands very well.

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

The two-time world champion considered lens replacement surgery delaying it repeatedly, most recently in November, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, or early forties, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she said.

"However our brains adapt to difficulties continuously, even into old age.

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

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your cue action fails to execute as required. The first symptom I noticed was that although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

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

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," said an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates pre-game nutrition, which he claims maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone recently, crediting spin classes, he currently says the weight returned but plans home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect as you older is training. That passion for snooker must persist," added another expert.

The veteran trio face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's normal," John added. "Getting older, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule but is constrained by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he said. "It can harm psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. This event is his initial home tournament currently.

But none appear ready to retire yet. Like in other sports where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I believe they motivate each other."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "need to improve despite my age failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and knee problems and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, rarely have players risen to control the tour. This is evident current outcomes, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on television.

"His technique, you could immediately see," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly securing rewards including a fax machine.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "aren't crucial."

Yet, he implied in the past that losing streaks fuel his drive.

Almost two years without his last ranking title, yet legends think turning fifty could motivate him.

"Who knows this milestone provides the impetus he requires to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… That would be a historic feat."