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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive isn't limited to mere victory encompassing redefining excellence within snooker.

Today, after three decades, he exceeded the achievements of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six global competitors have entered their sixth decade.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays recently.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, claimed his final professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, came as an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, however, 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 for failures, rather than retraining my mind," he explained. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced through working with Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that he feels "acceptable," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I appreciate where I am."

Physical Condition

While not an athletic sport, success still relies on bodily attributes that typically favor youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness 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 two-time world champion considered lens replacement surgery delaying it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, training professionals, explained that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, experience reduced lens flexibility," she said.

"However our minds adjust to difficulties throughout life, even into old age.

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

"Eventually in precision sports, your body fails your mind," Davis commented.

"Your arm fails to execute as required. The first symptom I noticed was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength is the critical factor with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

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

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," said an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits recently, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits the weight returned though intending home gym installation for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect with age is practice. That passion for snooker must persist," added another expert.

The veteran trio aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he struggles "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's natural," John added. "Getting older, priorities shift."

John considered reducing his schedule but is constrained due to points requirements, where tournament entries rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he explained. "Negatively affect mental health attempting to attend every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. The UK Championship is his initial home tournament this season.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I think 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 with poor vision, a unreliable arm and bad knees yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest world title, few competitors risen to control the season. Exemplified by current outcomes, with multiple champions claimed the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on television.

"His technique, you could immediately see," he said, observing the teen potting balls quickly to win prizes including a fax machine.

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

However, he implied previously that losing streaks fuel his motivation.

Almost two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark he requires to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"If he won this tournament, or the worlds, it would stun the crowd… That would be an incredible accomplishment."