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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors possess that ability".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond winning matches encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, for a single 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked world players are now in their sixth decade.

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

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, claimed his final professional tournament at 36, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, came as a major surprise.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist declining. This article examines why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in world snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction across eras lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my technique when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he explained. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach was shaped through working with 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," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and continue performing, disregard your age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on bodily attributes usually benefiting younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands intimately.

"I find it funny. I require glasses constantly: reading, medium distance, long distance," Williams shared this season.

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

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, noted that without conditions such as cataracts, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

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

"But our minds adjust to challenges continuously, even into old age.

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

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

"Your arm doesn't perform properly. The first symptom I felt was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

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

Ronnie's psychological training paired with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance for his success.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented a former champion. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he incorporates pre-game nutrition, which he claims maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he currently says he regained it but plans home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

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

The veteran trio face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he struggles "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's normal," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule yet limited by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm psychological well-being trying to play all these events."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his European schedule after moving to Dubai. The UK Championship marks his first domestic competition currently.

But none appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis 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?" commented an analyst. "I believe they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "must step up despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, few competitors emerged to dominate the season. Exemplified by this season's results, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," he said, watching the youngster potting balls quickly securing rewards including a fax machine.

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

However, he implied previously that losing streaks help maintain motivation.

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

"Perhaps that turning 50 provides the impetus he requires to demonstrate his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize 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."