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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding Steve Davis decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to winning matches encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the achievements of his heroes and during this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains 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 is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that three of the top six global competitors have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan became professionals in 1992, also celebrated their 50th birthdays recently.

However, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, came as an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, though, continue to resist fading away. This article examines how three veterans remain competitive in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction across eras is psychological.

"I always blamed my technique for failures, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated otherwise. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach was shaped by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger negative expectations," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "alright," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy where I am."

The Body

Snooker may not be physically demanding, success still relies on physical traits usually benefiting youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, yet difficult to prevent aging effects, such as vision decline, which Williams understands intimately.

"It amuses me. I require glasses constantly: reading, medium distance, long distance," Mark stated recently.

The two-time world champion has contemplated lens replacement surgery delaying it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he continues winning.

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

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, explained that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"All people, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, experience reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

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

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

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The first symptom I noticed involved although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

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

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance for his success.

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

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he added a pre-match meal, which he claims sustains energy through extended matches.

And while Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits he regained it though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

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

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"However, I think that's normal," John added. "As you age, priorities shift."

John considered skipping some tournaments but is constrained due to points requirements, where tournament entries depends on performance in smaller competitions.

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

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. This event is his initial home tournament currently.

But none appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

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

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "must step up despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player won this year's world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the tour. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, with innate ability unmatched in sports, as recalled from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

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

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

However, he implied previously that losing streaks fuel his drive.

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

"Perhaps that turning 50 is the spark Ronnie needs to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

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