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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he invents shots … few competitors possess that ability".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond winning matches to include redefining excellence in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he has surpassed the accomplishments of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked world players are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, also celebrated reaching fifty recently.

Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last ranking event at 36, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, however, 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, now 68, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my form when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he explained. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have proven otherwise. It's all mental… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced 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, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you activate negative expectations," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and continue performing, disregard your age."

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

The Body

While not physically demanding, success still relies on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to avoid aging effects, such as vision decline, something Mark knows intimately.

"It amuses me. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, far shots," Mark stated this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

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

"Everyone, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, experience the eye lens stiffening," she said.

"However our minds adjust to challenges continuously, including senior years.

"But, should eyesight isn't the issue, 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 noticed involved although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight becomes problematic and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet for his success.

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

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits he regained it but plans home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That love for the game must persist," added another expert.

The veteran trio aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he struggles "to practice regularly".

"However, I think that's normal," Higgins continued. "As you age, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he said. "Negatively affect mental health trying to play every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. This event is his initial domestic competition this season.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I think they motivate one another."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining failing eyesight, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest world title, rarely have players risen to control the tour. This is evident current outcomes, where 11 different winners claimed the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses innate ability rarely seen, remembered since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, you could immediately see," he said, observing the teen 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 motivation.

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

"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze the crowd… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."