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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … not many players can do that".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive isn't limited to mere victory to include setting new standards in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of his heroes while competing in 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.

At the elite level, having just one player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked world players are now in their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro over thirty years ago, similarly marked reaching fifty recently.

However, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, claimed his final professional tournament at 36, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, came as a major surprise.

The Class of 92, though, continue to resist declining. Here we explore how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

Mental Strength

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

"I always blamed my form when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he explained. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced through working with a mental coach, 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, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "acceptable," noting: "I avoid to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be physically demanding, success still relies on physical traits that typically favor younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid aging effects, such as vision decline, which Williams understands very well.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles for everything: reading, mid-range, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The two-time world champion has contemplated lens replacement surgery delaying it multiple times, most recently in November, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"All people, after thirty-five, or early forties, experience reduced lens flexibility," she said.

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

"But, even if vision remain fine, other physical aspects could decline."

"Eventually in precision sports, your body fails your mind," Steve noted.

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The initial sign I noticed involved while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight becomes problematic with no easy fix. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with careful body management often stressing the role of diet in his achievements.

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

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, which he claims sustains energy through extended matches.

And while Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, attributing it to spin classes, he currently says he regained it but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect as you older is training. That love for the game must persist," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's natural," Higgins continued. "As you age, priorities shift."

John considered reducing his schedule yet limited by the ranking system, where major event qualification rely on results in lesser events.

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

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. The UK Championship marks his first home tournament this season.

But none seem prepared to stop playing. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons motivated one another to greater heights, so too have 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

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, few competitors risen to control the tour. Exemplified by current outcomes, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, with innate ability unmatched in sports, remembered from his teenage appearance on television.

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

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

Yet, he has suggested in the past that droughts fuel his motivation.

Almost two years without a tournament win, but Davis believes this birthday could motivate him.

"Perhaps this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."