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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about Steve Davis decades ago, his response was "he invents shots … not many players can do that".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive extends beyond mere victory encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age is impressive enough, yet his half-century signifies that three of the top six global competitors are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro over thirty years ago, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. Stephen Hendry, holding the record with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, claimed his final professional tournament in his mid-thirties, while Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore how three veterans remain competitive in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, now 68, the key difference between generations lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my form when losing, instead of retraining my mind," he stated. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have demonstrated that's not true. It's all mental… careers can extend beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped through working with a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you activate negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and continue performing, then ignore age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that turning 50 "acceptable," noting: "I try not to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

The Body

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, winning depends on physical traits that typically favor youthful players.

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 for everything: reading, medium distance, long distance," Mark stated this season.

The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction but postponed it multiple times, latest in autumn, primarily since he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, training professionals, explained that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"All people, after thirty-five, 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 games requiring accuracy, your body fails your mind," Davis commented.

"Your cue action doesn't perform properly. The initial sign I felt was that although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

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

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care often stressing nutritional importance for his success.

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

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages recently, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, which he claims sustains energy during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting spin classes, he currently says he regained it but plans home gym installation for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge with age is training. That passion for snooker needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he struggles "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's natural," Higgins continued. "As you age, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments but is constrained due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on results in lesser events.

"It's a balancing act," he said. "Negatively affect psychological well-being attempting to attend all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances after moving abroad. The UK Championship is his initial home tournament this season.

Yet all three appear ready to stop playing. Like in other sports where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

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

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest world title, few competitors risen to control the season. Exemplified by this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, remembered from his teenage appearance on television.

"His technique, you could immediately see," he said, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

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

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

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

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark Ronnie needs to demonstrate his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his genius, and he loves amazing audiences.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the worlds, it would amaze the crowd… Achieving that a historic feat."