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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition extends beyond mere victory to include redefining excellence in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he has surpassed the achievements of those he admired while competing in this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that three of the top six global competitors are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan turned pro in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays recently.

However, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, claimed his final ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as a major surprise.

The Class of 92, though, stubbornly refuse declining. Here we explore how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction across eras is psychological.

"I typically faulted my technique for failures, rather than adjusting mentally," he stated. "It felt like inevitable progression.

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

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist a mental coach, their partnership starting over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, disregard your age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that turning 50 "acceptable," noting: "I avoid to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

The Body

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on bodily attributes usually benefiting youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, yet difficult to prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands intimately.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, long distance," Williams shared this season.

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

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

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

"All people, after thirty-five, or early forties, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

"However our brains adapt to difficulties continuously, even into old age.

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

"In time in precision sports, your body fails your intentions," Davis commented.

"Your cue action fails to execute properly. The first symptom I felt involved while alignment was good, the speed was off.

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

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance for his success.

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

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits lately, revealing this year he added pre-game nutrition, which he claims sustains energy through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits the weight returned but plans home gym installation for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

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

The veteran trio face similar 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," John added. "Getting older, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments but is constrained due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

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

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule since relocating abroad. The UK Championship marks his first home tournament this season.

Yet all three appear ready to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I think they motivate one another."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the season. Exemplified by this season's results, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent rarely seen, remembered since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, watching the youngster potting balls quickly securing rewards including a fax machine.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

Yet, he has suggested in the past that droughts fuel his drive.

It's been nearly two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes this birthday could motivate him.

"Perhaps that turning 50 provides the impetus he requires to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the worlds, it would amaze the crowd… That would be an incredible accomplishment."