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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about Steve Davis in 1990, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition extends beyond mere victory to include setting new standards in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, having just one player of that age is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six global competitors are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, claimed his final professional tournament at 36, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, came as an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, though, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in world snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, now 68, the key difference between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my form when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he explained. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

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

The Rocket's approach was shaped through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate 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 prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, something Mark knows intimately.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles for everything: reading, medium distance, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The Welsh player considered lens replacement surgery delaying it multiple times, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

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

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that without conditions such as cataracts, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"All people, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she said.

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

"Yet, should eyesight isn't the issue, bodily factors could decline."

"Eventually in precision sports, your body fails your mind," Davis commented.

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The initial sign I felt was that while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight becomes problematic with no easy fix. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with careful body management often stressing nutritional importance for his success.

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

Williams also discovered dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he added pre-game nutrition, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting spin classes, he now admits the weight returned but plans home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect with age is training. That passion for the game needs to continue," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's natural," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

John considered skipping some tournaments but is constrained by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he explained. "Negatively affect psychological well-being attempting to attend every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances since relocating to Dubai. The UK Championship is his initial domestic competition 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 raises the question why can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "must step up despite my age with poor vision, a unreliable arm and bad knees and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, rarely have players risen to control the season. Exemplified by current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent rarely seen, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," noted, watching the youngster potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

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

It's been nearly two years since his last ranking title, yet legends think turning fifty could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would stun everyone… That would be a historic feat."