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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … few competitors can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive isn't limited to winning matches encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that multiple top-ranked world players are now in their fifties.

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

Yet, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, 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

For Steve Davis, now 68, the primary distinction across eras is psychological.

"I typically faulted my form when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced through working with Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting over a decade ago. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "acceptable," noting: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy where I am."

The Body

Snooker may not be physically demanding, success still relies on bodily attributes usually benefiting younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows intimately.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles for everything: reading, medium distance, far shots," Mark stated this season.

The Welsh player considered vision correction delaying it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, training professionals, noted that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

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

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

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

"Eventually in precision sports, your physique betrays your mind," Davis commented.

"Your arm doesn't perform as required. The first symptom I noticed involved although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

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

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with careful body management often stressing the role of diet for his success.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates pre-game nutrition, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

And while Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, attributing it to regular exercise, he now admits the weight returned though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That passion for snooker must persist," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's normal," John added. "As you age, focus changes."

John considered skipping some tournaments yet limited due to points requirements, where tournament entries rely on performance in smaller competitions.

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

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. This event marks his first home tournament currently.

Yet all three appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I think they've inspired one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "must step up despite my age with poor vision, a unreliable arm and bad knees yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest world title, rarely have players risen to control the tour. Exemplified by this season's results, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, who possesses exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, as recalled from his teenage appearance on television.

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

Ronnie often states that victories "isn't everything."

Yet, he has suggested previously that losing streaks help maintain drive.

It's been nearly two years since his last ranking title, but Davis believes this birthday might inspire him.

"Perhaps this milestone is the spark he requires to show his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

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