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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding his snooker idol in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … few competitors possess that ability".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition extends beyond mere victory encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he exceeded the accomplishments of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, having just one player of that age is impressive enough, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their fifties.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan became professionals over thirty years ago, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, was considered an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, though, stubbornly refuse declining. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the key difference between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my form when losing, instead of retraining my mind," he explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have proven otherwise. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that he feels "alright," adding: "I avoid to overburden myself … I enjoy where I am."

The Body

While not physically demanding, success still relies on bodily attributes that typically favor younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to prevent other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The two-time world champion considered vision correction delaying it repeatedly, most recently in November, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, training professionals, noted that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"All people, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she said.

"But our brains adapt to difficulties continuously, including senior years.

"But, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects may fail."

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

"Your cue action doesn't perform properly. The initial sign I noticed was that although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with careful body management often stressing the role of diet for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," said a former champion. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he incorporates pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, attributing it to spin classes, he currently says the weight returned but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge as you older is training. That love for the game must persist," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's normal," Higgins continued. "Getting older, priorities shift."

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

"It's a balancing act," he said. "Negatively affect mental health attempting to attend every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule since relocating abroad. This event is his initial domestic competition this season.

Yet all three appear ready to stop playing. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, 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 Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "must step up because I'm declining with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest world title, few competitors emerged to dominate the season. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," he said, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes including a fax machine.

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

Yet, he implied previously that droughts fuel his drive.

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

"Perhaps that turning 50 is the spark Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would stun everyone… That would be a historic feat."