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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol in 1990, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive isn't limited to winning matches encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of his heroes and during this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone 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 became professionals over thirty years ago, similarly marked reaching fifty recently.

Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the record alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in world snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the key difference between generations lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my form for failures, instead of adjusting mentally," he explained. "It felt like the natural cycle.

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

The Rocket's approach was shaped through working with a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and continue performing, then ignore age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "alright," adding: "I avoid to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

While not an athletic sport, success still relies on physical traits that typically favor younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid aging effects, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows very well.

"It amuses me. I require glasses constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated recently.

The two-time world champion considered lens replacement surgery but postponed it repeatedly, most recently in November, mainly because he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, explained that without conditions such as cataracts, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, or early forties, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

"But our minds adjust to difficulties continuously, including senior years.

"Yet, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects could decline."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your intentions," Davis commented.

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

"Shot strength is the critical factor and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training paired with meticulous physical care often stressing nutritional importance for his success.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented an ex-winner. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy through extended matches.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting 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 training. That passion for the game needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

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

"However, I think that's normal," Higgins continued. "Getting older, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments yet limited due to points requirements, where tournament entries depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he said. "It can harm psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too cut back his tournament appearances since relocating to Dubai. This event marks his first home tournament this season.

Yet all three seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where great competitors such as the tennis icons motivated one another to excel, 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've inspired one another."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent major victory this year, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "must step up despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player won this year's world title, few competitors risen to control the season. This is evident this season's results, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent rarely seen, remembered from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, you could immediately see," he said, watching the youngster potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

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

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

Almost two years since his last ranking title, but Davis believes this birthday might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to show his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would amaze everyone… That would be an incredible accomplishment."