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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … few competitors can do that".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond winning matches to include setting new standards in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both 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 signifies that three of the top six global competitors have entered their fifties.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, also celebrated their 50th birthdays this year.

However, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, claimed his final professional tournament in his mid-thirties, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, came as a major surprise.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist declining. Here we explore how three veterans stay at the top in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction between generations lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my technique when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he explained. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven that's not true. It's all mental… careers can extend beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach was shaped by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you activate negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and continue performing, then ignore age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that he feels "alright," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

While not an athletic sport, winning depends on physical traits that typically favor youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, something Mark knows very well.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles for everything: reading, mid-range, far shots," Williams shared recently.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction delaying it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, noted that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, or early forties, experience reduced lens flexibility," she said.

"But our minds adjust to challenges continuously, even into old age.

"But, even if vision remain fine, bodily factors may fail."

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

"Your arm fails to execute as required. The first symptom I felt was that although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Shot strength becomes problematic with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care often stressing nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, revealing this year he incorporates pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina during long sessions.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting spin classes, he now admits the weight returned though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That passion for the game needs to continue," added another expert.

The veteran trio aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's normal," Higgins continued. "As you age, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments yet limited by the ranking system, where major event qualification depends on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he said. "Negatively affect psychological well-being attempting to attend every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his European schedule after moving abroad. This event is his initial domestic competition this season.

Yet all three appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I think they've inspired each other."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and bad knees and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest world title, rarely have players risen to control the season. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions claimed the first 11 events.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses innate ability rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," he said, observing the teen potting balls quickly to win prizes including a fax machine.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "isn't everything."

However, he implied previously that droughts fuel his drive.

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

"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus he requires to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves amazing audiences.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would stun the crowd… That would be an incredible accomplishment."