🔗 Share this article

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

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive isn't limited to mere victory to include redefining excellence in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

At the elite level, having just one player of that age would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that multiple top-ranked world players are now in their fifties.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan became professionals in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty recently.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. Stephen Hendry, holding the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, though, stubbornly refuse declining. Here we explore how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, now 68, the primary distinction across eras is psychological.

"I typically faulted my form when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he stated. "It felt like the natural cycle.

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

The Rocket's approach was shaped through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and continue performing, then ignore age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I appreciate where I am."

Physical Condition

While not physically demanding, success still relies on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, yet difficult to avoid aging effects, such as vision decline, which Williams understands intimately.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles for everything: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction delaying it multiple times, most recently in November, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, noted that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

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

"But our minds adjust to challenges continuously, including senior years.

"Yet, should eyesight isn't the issue, other physical aspects could decline."

"In time in precision sports, your physique betrays your mind," Davis commented.

"Your arm fails to execute properly. The first symptom I felt involved although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength becomes problematic and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care often stressing nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits lately, revealing this year he added pre-game nutrition, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone recently, attributing it to regular exercise, he currently says the weight returned but plans home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect as you older is training. That love for snooker needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's normal," Higgins continued. "As you age, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule yet limited by the ranking system, 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 has reduced his European schedule after moving abroad. This event is his initial home tournament this season.

Yet all three seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where great competitors such as the tennis icons motivated one another to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I believe they've inspired each other."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the tour. This is evident current outcomes, where 11 different winners claimed the first 11 events.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on television.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

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

However, he has suggested in the past that losing streaks help maintain drive.

It's been nearly two years since his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark Ronnie needs to demonstrate his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would stun everyone… That would be an incredible accomplishment."