🔗 Share this article

Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive isn't limited to winning matches to include redefining excellence within snooker.

Today, after three decades, he exceeded the achievements of his heroes and during this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, having just one 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that multiple top-ranked global competitors are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, also celebrated their 50th birthdays recently.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, claimed his final ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, though, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds remain competitive 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.

"These three champions have proven that's not true. It's all mental… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated 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," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "acceptable," noting: "I avoid to overburden myself … I appreciate where I am."

The Body

While not physically demanding, success still relies on bodily attributes that typically favor youthful players.

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

"It amuses me. I need spectacles for everything: reading, medium distance, long distance," Mark stated recently.

The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, most recently in November, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

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

A vision specialist, training professionals, noted that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, experience reduced lens flexibility," she said.

"However our brains adapt to challenges throughout life, even into old age.

"Yet, even if vision isn't the issue, bodily factors may fail."

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

"Your arm fails to execute properly. The initial sign I felt involved while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," commented an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he added a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting spin classes, he now admits the weight returned though intending setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That love for snooker must persist," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's natural," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

John considered reducing his schedule yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he explained. "Negatively affect psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. The UK Championship marks his first home tournament this season.

Yet all three appear ready to stop playing. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I think they motivate one another."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest World Championship, few competitors emerged to dominate the tour. Exemplified by this season's results, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, as recalled from his teenage appearance on television.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," he said, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

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

Yet, he implied in the past that losing streaks fuel his drive.

Almost two years since a tournament win, yet legends think this birthday might inspire him.

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark he requires to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would stun the crowd… That would be a historic feat."