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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol decades ago, he remarked "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition extends beyond mere victory encompassing redefining excellence within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the achievements of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked world players are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, also celebrated reaching fifty recently.

Yet, such extended careers 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, aged 39, came as a major surprise.

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

Mental Strength

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction between generations lies in mentality.

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

"These three champions have proven otherwise. It's all mental… you can compete longer than expected."

The Rocket's approach was shaped by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, 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 can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and continue performing, then ignore age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that he feels "alright," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

While not an athletic sport, winning depends on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands intimately.

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

The Welsh player considered vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, mainly because he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

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

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

"But our minds adjust to challenges continuously, even into old age.

"Yet, even if vision isn't the issue, other physical aspects could decline."

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

"Your cue action fails to execute as required. The first symptom I noticed involved although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength is the critical factor with no easy fix. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance for his success.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," said a former champion. "He appears he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, revealing this year he added a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he now admits he regained it though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect with age is practice. That passion for snooker must persist," 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 normal," Higgins continued. "Getting older, priorities shift."

John considered skipping some tournaments but is constrained due to points requirements, where major event qualification rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "Negatively affect psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his European schedule after moving abroad. This event is his initial domestic competition this season.

Yet all three appear ready to stop playing. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I believe they've inspired each other."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the tour. Exemplified by current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, with innate ability unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

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

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

However, he implied in the past that losing streaks fuel his motivation.

Almost two years without his last ranking title, yet legends think this birthday might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps that turning 50 is the spark he requires 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 worlds, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that a historic feat."