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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he creates new techniques … not many players can do that".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory to include redefining excellence in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he exceeded the achievements of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked global competitors have entered their fifties.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan became professionals in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record alongside Ronnie for most world championships, claimed his final ranking event at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, now 68, the key difference across eras lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my technique for failures, rather than adjusting mentally," he explained. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated that's not true. It's all mental… careers can extend than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped by psychiatrist a mental coach, their partnership starting over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I avoid to overburden myself … I appreciate where I am."

The Body

While not physically demanding, success still relies on bodily attributes usually benefiting youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit through running, but it's challenging to avoid aging effects, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands intimately.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles for everything: reading, mid-range, far shots," Mark stated recently.

The two-time world champion considered lens replacement surgery but postponed it multiple times, latest in autumn, primarily since he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, explained that without conditions such as cataracts, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"All people, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she said.

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

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

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your cue action doesn't perform properly. The initial sign I noticed was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor with no easy fix. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care often stressing the role of diet in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," said a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, revealing this year he added pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to regular exercise, he currently says he regained it but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect with age is practice. That passion for snooker must persist," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's normal," Higgins continued. "As you age, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule but is constrained by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "Negatively affect psychological well-being attempting to attend every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. This event is his initial domestic competition this season.

Yet all three seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they motivate each other."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, a unreliable arm and bad knees and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, rarely have players emerged to dominate the tour. Exemplified by this season's results, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, who possesses exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, remembered from his teenage appearance on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," he said, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table securing rewards like outdated technology.

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

Yet, he implied previously that droughts help maintain motivation.

Almost two years since a tournament win, but Davis believes this birthday could motivate him.

"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus he requires to show his skill," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that a historic feat."