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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … not many players can do that".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond winning matches encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he exceeded the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in this week's UK Championship, where he holds the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, for a single 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that three of the top six world players are now in their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan turned pro in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty recently.

Yet, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. Stephen Hendry, holding the distinction alongside Ronnie for most world championships, won his last professional tournament at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist declining. Here we explore how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the key difference between generations lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my technique when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated that's not true. It's all mental… careers can extend beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped through working with a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "alright," noting: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

Physical Condition

While not an athletic sport, success still relies on physical traits usually benefiting youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, yet difficult to prevent aging effects, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated recently.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction delaying it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, explained 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.

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

"But, should eyesight isn't the issue, bodily factors may fail."

"In time in precision sports, your physique betrays your intentions," Steve noted.

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

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

Ronnie's psychological training paired with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet for his success.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," said an ex-winner. "He appears he's 50!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages lately, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates pre-game nutrition, which he claims sustains energy through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits he regained it though intending home gym installation for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect with age is practice. That passion for snooker needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to train consistently".

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

John considered reducing his schedule but is constrained due to points requirements, where major event qualification rely on results in lesser events.

"It's a balancing act," he said. "Negatively affect mental health trying to play every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too cut back his European schedule after moving abroad. This event marks his first home tournament this season.

Yet all three seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why can't they?" said a pundit. "I think they motivate each other."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest world title, rarely have players risen to control the season. This is evident this season's results, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on television.

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

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

Yet, he implied previously that losing streaks fuel his drive.

Almost two years since a tournament win, but Davis believes this birthday could motivate him.

"Perhaps this milestone provides the impetus he requires to demonstrate his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

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