🔗 Share this article

When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he invents shots … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive extends beyond mere victory encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Now, after three decades, he exceeded the achievements of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, for a single 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that three of the top six global competitors are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan turned pro over thirty years ago, similarly marked reaching fifty recently.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the record with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, came as a major surprise.

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

Mental Strength

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

"I always blamed my form when losing, instead of retraining my mind," he stated. "It felt 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 by psychiatrist a mental coach, their partnership starting over a decade ago. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger negative expectations," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and continue performing, then ignore age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I avoid to overburden myself … I appreciate where I am."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on bodily attributes usually benefiting youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to avoid aging effects, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows very well.

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

The two-time world champion considered lens replacement surgery 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 without conditions like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

"All people, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

"But our brains adapt to difficulties continuously, including senior years.

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

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your intentions," Davis commented.

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

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

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with careful body management often stressing the role of diet in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," said an ex-winner. "He appears he's 50!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight recently, crediting spin classes, he now admits he regained it but plans home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

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

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

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

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he said. "Negatively affect psychological well-being attempting to attend every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too cut back his European schedule after moving abroad. The UK Championship marks his first domestic competition this season.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I think they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the season. This is evident this season's results, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, as recalled from his teenage appearance on television.

"His stance, you could immediately see," he said, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes including a fax machine.

Ronnie often states that victories "aren't crucial."

Yet, he has suggested previously that losing streaks fuel his drive.

It's been nearly two years without a tournament win, yet legends think turning fifty could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark he requires to show his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze the crowd… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."