🔗 Share this article

When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding his snooker idol decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition extends beyond mere victory to include setting new standards in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of those he admired and during this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

At the elite level, having just one 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket became professionals over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

Yet, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction alongside Ronnie for most world championships, claimed his final ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist fading away. This article examines why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the key difference between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my form when losing, rather than adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have proven otherwise. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger 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, mentioning recently that turning 50 "acceptable," adding: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I appreciate where I am."

Physical Condition

While not an athletic sport, success still relies on bodily attributes that typically favor younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, but it's challenging to prevent aging effects, such as vision decline, which Williams understands very well.

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

The Welsh player considered lens replacement surgery but postponed it repeatedly, most recently in November, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Your cue action fails to execute properly. The initial sign I felt involved while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training paired with careful body management often stressing the role of diet for his success.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," commented an ex-winner. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits recently, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he currently says he regained it though intending setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect with age is training. That love 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 struggles "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's normal," John added. "As you age, focus changes."

John considered reducing his schedule yet limited by the ranking system, where tournament entries depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he said. "Negatively affect psychological well-being attempting to attend all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule after moving abroad. This event marks his first domestic competition this season.

But none seem prepared to stop playing. Similar to tennis where great competitors such as the tennis icons 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 one another."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent major victory this year, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "need to improve because I'm declining failing eyesight, arm issues and bad knees yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, 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, who possesses innate ability rarely seen, as recalled since his youth on television.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," noted, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes like outdated technology.

Ronnie often states that victories "isn't everything."

Yet, he has suggested previously that losing streaks help maintain drive.

Almost two years since his last ranking title, yet legends think this birthday might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to show his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would stun the crowd… That would be an incredible accomplishment."