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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about his snooker idol decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition extends beyond mere victory encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of those he admired and during this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains records for both 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, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that multiple top-ranked global competitors are now in their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty recently.

However, such extended careers are not guaranteed in snooker. Stephen Hendry, holding the record alongside Ronnie for most world championships, won his last professional tournament at 36, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, though, stubbornly refuse fading away. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction across eras is psychological.

"I typically faulted my technique when losing, rather than adjusting mentally," he explained. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have proven that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "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 "acceptable," noting: "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.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, yet difficult to avoid aging effects, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, far shots," Mark stated this season.

The two-time world champion considered vision correction but postponed it multiple times, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

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

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

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

"But, even if vision isn't the issue, other physical aspects could decline."

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your intentions," Davis commented.

"Your cue action doesn't perform properly. The first symptom I felt involved while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight becomes problematic with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits lately, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina through extended matches.

And while Higgins shed over three stone recently, crediting regular exercise, he currently says the weight returned though intending setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge as you older is training. That passion for the game needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's normal," John added. "Getting older, priorities shift."

John considered skipping some tournaments yet limited due to points requirements, where tournament entries rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "Negatively affect mental health attempting to attend all these events."

O'Sullivan, too cut back his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. The UK Championship marks his first domestic competition this season.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why not the others?" said a pundit. "I think they've inspired one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "must step up because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest world title, few competitors risen to control the season. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, with exceptional natural talent rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," he said, observing the teen potting balls quickly securing rewards including a fax machine.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

However, he implied in the past that droughts help maintain drive.

It's been nearly two years without a tournament win, yet legends think turning fifty might inspire him.

"Perhaps this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to show his skill," said Davis. "Everyone knows his genius, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would stun the crowd… Achieving that a historic feat."