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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about Steve Davis decades ago, his response was "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

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

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that three of the top six world players are now in their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan turned pro in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

However, such extended careers are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the record with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last ranking event at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, however, continue to resist fading away. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in professional snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the key difference across eras lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my technique when losing, instead of retraining my mind," he stated. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

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

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced through working with a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. 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. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that he feels "alright," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

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

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, something Mark knows very well.

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

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, most recently in November, mainly because he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, explained that without conditions such as cataracts, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

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

"But our minds adjust to difficulties throughout life, even into old age.

"Yet, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects could decline."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your arm doesn't perform as required. The first symptom I noticed was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with meticulous physical care often stressing the role of diet for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," said an ex-winner. "He appears he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits lately, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he currently says he regained it but plans home gym installation for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect with age is practice. That passion for snooker must persist," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

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

John considered reducing his schedule but is constrained due to points requirements, where tournament entries depends on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he said. "Negatively affect psychological well-being trying to play all these events."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his European schedule since relocating abroad. The UK Championship marks his first domestic competition this season.

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

"When one wins, it raises the question why not the others?" said a pundit. "I think they motivate one another."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "must step up despite my age failing eyesight, arm issues and bad knees yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, rarely have players emerged to dominate the season. This is evident current outcomes, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes like outdated technology.

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

However, he has suggested in the past that losing streaks help maintain motivation.

Almost two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes this birthday could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps that turning 50 is the spark Ronnie needs to demonstrate his skill," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

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