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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … not many players can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory to include setting new standards within snooker.

Now, 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 most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, yet his half-century means that three of the top six global competitors have entered their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan turned pro over thirty years ago, also celebrated their 50th birthdays recently.

Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist declining. Here we explore how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the key difference across eras is psychological.

"I typically faulted my form for failures, rather than adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped through working with Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

The Body

While not physically demanding, winning depends on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands intimately.

"I find it funny. I require glasses constantly: reading, medium distance, long distance," Mark stated this season.

The two-time world champion considered lens replacement surgery but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

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

A vision specialist, training professionals, explained that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

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

"But our brains adapt to difficulties continuously, even into old age.

"Yet, even if vision remain fine, bodily factors may fail."

"Eventually in precision sports, your physique betrays your intentions," Steve noted.

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

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

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with careful body management often stressing nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits recently, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits the weight returned but plans setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect as you older is practice. That love for snooker needs to continue," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's normal," Higgins continued. "As you age, priorities shift."

John considered reducing his schedule yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he said. "It can harm psychological well-being trying to play all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule after moving abroad. This event is his initial home tournament currently.

But none appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis where great competitors such as the tennis icons motivated one another to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I believe they motivate one another."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and bad knees yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest World Championship, few competitors emerged to dominate the season. This is evident this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses exceptional natural talent rarely seen, as recalled since his youth on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," he said, watching the youngster potting balls quickly securing rewards including a fax machine.

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

However, he implied in the past that droughts help maintain motivation.

It's been nearly two years without a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire him.

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

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