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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding Steve Davis decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … not many players possess that ability".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive isn't limited to mere victory encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of those he admired and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked world players are now in their fifties.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, who shares the record alongside Ronnie for most world championships, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, however, stubbornly refuse declining. Here we explore how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, now 68, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I typically faulted my technique for failures, rather than adjusting mentally," he explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped by psychiatrist 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, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you activate negative expectations," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that turning 50 "acceptable," adding: "I avoid to overburden myself … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be physically demanding, winning depends on physical traits that typically favor younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit through running, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands intimately.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles constantly: reading, medium distance, far shots," Williams shared this season.

The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction but postponed it multiple times, latest in autumn, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

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

"But, even if vision isn't the issue, bodily factors could decline."

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

"Your arm fails to execute as required. The first symptom I noticed was that although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

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

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care often stressing the role of diet in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," said a former champion. "He appears he's 50!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages lately, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates pre-game nutrition, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, attributing it to regular exercise, he currently says the weight returned though intending home gym installation for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect as you older is training. That love for snooker needs to continue," added another expert.

The veteran trio face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's natural," John added. "As you age, focus changes."

John considered skipping some tournaments yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on results in lesser events.

"It's a balancing act," he said. "It can harm psychological well-being attempting to attend every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule after moving abroad. The UK Championship marks his first home tournament currently.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why not the others?" said a pundit. "I believe they motivate each other."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player won this year's world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the tour. Exemplified by current outcomes, where 11 different winners have taken the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, you could immediately see," he said, watching the youngster potting balls quickly securing rewards including a fax machine.

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

Yet, he implied previously that droughts help maintain motivation.

It's been nearly two years without a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty could motivate him.

"Perhaps this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves amazing audiences.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the worlds, it would stun everyone… That would be a historic feat."