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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors possess that ability".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive isn't limited to winning matches encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Now, after three decades, he exceeded the accomplishments of those he admired and during this week's UK Championship, where he holds the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, having just one player of that age is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that multiple top-ranked global competitors are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays recently.

Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie for most world championships, won his last ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, was considered an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, though, stubbornly refuse declining. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the key difference between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my form when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach was shaped through working with a mental coach, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

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

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "acceptable," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

While not an athletic sport, winning depends on physical traits that typically favor younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows very well.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated lens replacement surgery delaying it repeatedly, most recently in November, primarily since he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, training professionals, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

"All people, after thirty-five, or early forties, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she said.

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

"Yet, even if vision remain fine, bodily factors could decline."

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

"Your cue action doesn't perform properly. The first symptom I noticed involved while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor and there's no solution. That will occur."

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

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," said a former champion. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he added a pre-match meal, reportedly maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, attributing it to regular exercise, he now admits the weight returned but plans home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect as you older is practice. That love for the game needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

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

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule but is constrained 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 every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule after moving to Dubai. This event marks his first home tournament this season.

But none appear ready to retire yet. Like in other sports where great competitors such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, 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 this year, 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."

Although a Chinese player won this year's World Championship, few competitors risen to control the season. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, who possesses exceptional natural talent 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 droughts help maintain drive.

Almost two years without 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," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would stun everyone… Achieving that a historic feat."