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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors possess that ability".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to winning matches to include setting new standards in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, having just one player of that age would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that multiple top-ranked global competitors have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, also celebrated reaching fifty recently.

Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction alongside Ronnie for most world championships, won his last professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, though, continue to resist declining. Here we explore how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction across eras lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my technique when losing, rather than adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have proven that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting over a decade ago. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "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, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I avoid to overburden myself … I appreciate where I am."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be physically demanding, winning depends on bodily attributes usually benefiting younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to prevent aging effects, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows very well.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles constantly: reading, mid-range, far shots," Mark stated this season.

The Welsh player considered vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

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

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

"But our brains adapt to difficulties throughout life, including senior years.

"But, even if vision isn't the issue, other physical aspects may fail."

"In time in precision sports, your physique betrays your intentions," Davis commented.

"Your cue action fails to execute properly. The first symptom I noticed involved while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

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

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care often stressing nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," said a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he added a pre-match meal, reportedly maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he now admits the weight returned but plans setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge as you older is training. That passion for snooker must persist," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

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

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule but is constrained by the ranking system, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "It can harm psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule after moving abroad. The UK Championship is his initial domestic competition currently.

Yet all three appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis where great competitors such as the tennis icons pushed each other to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I believe they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve despite my age failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and knee problems and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the tour. Exemplified by current outcomes, where 11 different winners claimed the first 11 events.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, with innate ability unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly to win prizes including a fax machine.

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

Yet, he implied in the past that droughts help maintain drive.

It's been nearly two years since a tournament win, yet legends think this birthday could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps that turning 50 is the spark he requires to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze the crowd… That would be a historic feat."