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

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory to include setting new standards in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded 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 celebrates his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked world players are now in their fifties.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan turned pro in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty recently.

Yet, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, was considered an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, though, stubbornly refuse declining. Here we explore how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction across eras lies in mentality.

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

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven otherwise. It's all mental… you can compete longer than expected."

The Rocket's approach was shaped through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and continue performing, then ignore age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "acceptable," noting: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

The Body

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

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, yet difficult to prevent other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.

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

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, training professionals, noted that without conditions such as cataracts, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

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

"However our brains adapt to challenges throughout life, even into old age.

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

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

"Your cue action fails to execute as required. The initial sign I felt involved while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength 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 in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," said a former champion. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates pre-game nutrition, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting spin classes, he now admits the weight returned but plans setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge with age is training. That passion for snooker needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

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

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments but is constrained by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he explained. "Negatively affect mental health attempting to attend every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule since relocating abroad. The UK Championship marks his first home tournament this season.

Yet all three seem prepared to stop playing. Similar to tennis where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why not the others?" said a pundit. "I think they've inspired one another."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player won this year's world title, rarely have players risen to control the season. Exemplified by current outcomes, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, with innate ability rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on television.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table to win prizes like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "isn't everything."

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

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

"Perhaps this milestone is the spark he requires to demonstrate his skill," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his genius, and he loves amazing audiences.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would stun the crowd… Achieving that a historic feat."