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

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition extends beyond winning matches to include redefining excellence within snooker.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of those he admired and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, having just one 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six global competitors are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction with O'Sullivan for most world championships, claimed his final ranking event in his mid-thirties, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, however, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

Mental Strength

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

"I typically faulted my form for failures, instead of retraining my mind," he explained. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven that's not true. It's all mental… careers can extend beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you activate negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and continue performing, disregard your age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that he feels "alright," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate where I am."

The Body

While not an athletic sport, 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 very well.

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

The two-time world champion considered vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

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

A vision specialist, training professionals, explained that without conditions like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"All people, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, experience reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

"However our minds adjust to difficulties throughout life, even into old age.

"But, even if vision remain fine, bodily factors could decline."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your mind," Steve noted.

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

"Delivery weight is the critical factor with no easy fix. That will occur."

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

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," said a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, which he claims sustains energy through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to regular exercise, he now admits he regained it though intending setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge with age is training. That passion for snooker needs to continue," added another expert.

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's natural," John added. "As you age, focus changes."

John considered reducing his schedule but is constrained due to points requirements, where tournament entries depends on results in lesser events.

"It's a balancing act," he said. "Negatively affect mental health attempting to attend every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his European schedule since relocating abroad. This event marks his first domestic competition this season.

Yet all three seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

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

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "must step up despite my age failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and bad knees and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, rarely have players risen to control the season. Exemplified by this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, who possesses exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

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

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

However, he has suggested in the past 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 that turning 50 is the spark he requires to show his skill," said Davis. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves amazing audiences.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would amaze the crowd… That would be an incredible accomplishment."