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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond mere victory encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Now, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century means that three of the top six world players have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan turned pro over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. The seven-time world champion, who shares the record alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last ranking event at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction across eras lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my form for failures, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach was shaped by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, 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. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that he feels "alright," noting: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

The Body

While not an athletic sport, winning depends on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid aging effects, such as vision decline, something Mark knows very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, long distance," Williams shared this season.

The Welsh player considered vision correction delaying it multiple times, most recently in November, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, training professionals, explained that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"All people, by your mid-30s, or early forties, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

"However our minds adjust to challenges continuously, including senior years.

"But, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects may fail."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your intentions," Davis commented.

"Your arm doesn't perform properly. The initial sign I noticed involved while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength is the critical factor and there's no solution. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with careful body management often stressing the role of diet in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," said an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he incorporates pre-game nutrition, reportedly sustains energy through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits the weight returned but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

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

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt 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."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule yet limited by the ranking system, where tournament entries depends on results in lesser events.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "It can harm mental health attempting to attend every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances after moving abroad. The UK Championship is his initial domestic competition this season.

Yet all three seem prepared to stop playing. Similar to tennis where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I think they've inspired one another."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems yet they can't win."

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

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on television.

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

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

Yet, he has suggested previously that droughts help maintain motivation.

It's been nearly two years without a tournament win, yet legends think this birthday could motivate him.

"Perhaps that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the worlds, it would amaze everyone… That would be an incredible accomplishment."