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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding Steve Davis in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive isn't limited to winning matches encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of those he admired and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that three of the top six global competitors are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan became professionals in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, holding the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, claimed his final ranking event at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, came as a major surprise.

This legendary trio, though, stubbornly refuse fading away. Here we explore how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, now 68, the primary distinction across eras is psychological.

"I typically faulted my form for failures, instead of retraining my mind," he explained. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach was shaped by psychiatrist a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you activate negative expectations," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "alright," noting: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I enjoy this life stage."

Physical Condition

While not an athletic sport, success still relies on bodily attributes usually benefiting youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows very well.

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

The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction delaying it repeatedly, latest in autumn, mainly because he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, explained that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

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

"But our brains adapt to challenges throughout life, even into old age.

"Yet, even if vision isn't the issue, other physical aspects may fail."

"In time in precision sports, your body fails your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your arm doesn't perform properly. The initial sign I noticed involved while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

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

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits lately, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, crediting regular exercise, he now admits he regained it but plans home gym installation for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That love for snooker must persist," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

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

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule but is constrained by the ranking system, where major event qualification depends on results in lesser events.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "It can harm mental health attempting to attend every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule since relocating abroad. This event marks his first home tournament this season.

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

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why not the others?" said a pundit. "I believe they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining failing eyesight, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the season. Exemplified by this season's results, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses innate ability rarely seen, remembered from his teenage appearance on television.

"His technique, you could immediately see," noted, watching the youngster potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "isn't everything."

However, he has suggested previously that losing streaks help maintain drive.

It's been nearly two years without his last ranking title, yet legends think this birthday could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone provides the impetus he requires to show his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would amaze the crowd… That would be a historic feat."