🔗 Share this article

When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition extends beyond winning matches encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.

Today, 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 oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that multiple top-ranked global competitors are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan became professionals over thirty years ago, similarly marked reaching fifty recently.

Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, who shares the record alongside Ronnie for most world championships, won his last professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist fading away. This article examines 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 technique when losing, instead of retraining my mind," he stated. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you activate negative expectations," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that turning 50 "acceptable," noting: "I avoid to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

While not physically demanding, success still relies on bodily attributes that typically favor youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, yet difficult to prevent other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands intimately.

"It amuses me. I require glasses constantly: reading, medium distance, far shots," Mark stated this season.

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

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

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

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

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

"Yet, should eyesight isn't the issue, other physical aspects may fail."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your intentions," Davis commented.

"Your cue action fails to execute properly. The first symptom I noticed was that although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Shot strength becomes problematic with no easy fix. That will occur."

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

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," said an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone recently, crediting regular exercise, he currently says he regained it but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge as you older is training. That passion for snooker needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"However, I think that's normal," John added. "As you age, 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 a balancing act," he explained. "Negatively affect mental health trying to play every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule after moving to Dubai. This event is his initial domestic competition this season.

But none seem prepared to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why not the others?" said a pundit. "I think they motivate one another."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player won this year's world title, few competitors risen to control the season. This is evident this season's results, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, with exceptional natural talent rarely seen, remembered from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," noted, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

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

Almost two years without a tournament win, yet legends think this birthday could motivate him.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark he requires to show his greatness," said Davis. "We all recognize his genius, and he loves amazing audiences.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would stun the crowd… That would be a historic feat."