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

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition extends beyond winning matches to include redefining excellence within snooker.

Now, after three decades, he has surpassed the accomplishments of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds 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, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that three of the top six world players have entered their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket became professionals over thirty years ago, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. Stephen Hendry, holding the distinction alongside Ronnie for most world championships, claimed his final professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, though, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, now 68, the key difference between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my technique for failures, rather than retraining my mind," he stated. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven that's not true. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer than expected."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced by psychiatrist a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that turning 50 "acceptable," noting: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I appreciate where I am."

The Body

While not physically demanding, winning depends on bodily attributes that typically favor younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, yet difficult to prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands very well.

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

The Welsh player has contemplated lens replacement surgery but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, mainly because he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, explained that without conditions such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"All people, by your mid-30s, or early forties, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

"However our brains adapt to difficulties throughout life, including senior years.

"But, even if vision remain fine, other physical aspects could decline."

"Eventually in precision sports, your physique betrays your intentions," Davis commented.

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

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

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," said an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, attributing it to spin classes, he currently says he regained it though intending home gym installation for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That love for snooker needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

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

"But I believe that's natural," John added. "Getting older, focus changes."

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

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

O'Sullivan, too cut back his European schedule after moving to Dubai. The UK Championship marks his first home tournament this season.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where great competitors such as the tennis icons motivated one another to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why not the others?" said a pundit. "I think they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "must step up despite my age failing eyesight, 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. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability unmatched in sports, as recalled from his teenage appearance on television.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," noted, watching the youngster potting balls quickly to win prizes including a fax machine.

Ronnie often states that victories "isn't everything."

However, he has suggested in the past that losing streaks help maintain motivation.

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

"Perhaps that turning 50 is the spark Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would stun everyone… Achieving that a historic feat."