🔗 Share this article

Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … not many players can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition extends beyond winning matches to include redefining excellence within snooker.

Today, after three decades, he has surpassed the achievements of those he admired and during this week's UK Championship, where he holds records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, for a single 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that three of the top six global competitors are now in their fifties.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket became professionals over thirty years ago, also celebrated their 50th birthdays this year.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the record with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, though, stubbornly refuse fading away. Here we explore how three veterans stay at the top in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the key difference across eras is psychological.

"I always blamed my form when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he explained. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated otherwise. It's all mental… careers can extend beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced through working with a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."

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

Physical Condition

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

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands intimately.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, far shots," Williams shared this season.

The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, training professionals, noted that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

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

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

"But, should eyesight remain fine, bodily factors may fail."

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

"Your arm doesn't perform as required. The initial sign I noticed was that although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Shot strength becomes problematic and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with meticulous physical care often stressing the role of diet in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," said a former champion. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he incorporates pre-game nutrition, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting spin classes, he currently says he regained it though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge with age is training. That passion for snooker must persist," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

"However, I think that's normal," John added. "Getting older, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments but is constrained by the ranking system, where tournament entries depends on results in lesser events.

"It's a balancing act," he said. "Negatively affect psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. This event marks his first domestic competition this season.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they've inspired one another."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "need to improve despite my age failing eyesight, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, few competitors risen to control the season. This is evident this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, with innate ability rarely seen, remembered from his teenage appearance on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," he said, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

Ronnie often states that victories "aren't crucial."

However, he has suggested previously that losing streaks fuel his motivation.

It's been nearly two years since a tournament win, yet legends think turning fifty might inspire him.

"Who knows this milestone provides the impetus he requires to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."