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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about his snooker idol in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … few competitors possess that ability".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the achievements of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, having just one player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked global competitors are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan turned pro in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, holding the record alongside Ronnie for most world championships, won his last professional tournament at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, however, stubbornly refuse fading away. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction across eras lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my form for failures, instead of retraining my mind," he explained. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. It's all mental… careers can extend beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach was shaped through working with a mental coach, their partnership starting 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 activate negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I avoid to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

The Body

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

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, something Mark knows very well.

"It amuses me. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, long distance," Mark stated this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction but postponed it multiple times, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that without conditions such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

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

"But our brains adapt to challenges throughout life, even into old age.

"Yet, should eyesight remain fine, bodily factors could decline."

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

"Your arm doesn't perform as required. The initial sign I felt was that although I aimed straight, 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 and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," said a former champion. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he added a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting spin classes, he currently says he regained it but plans home gym installation for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

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

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he struggles "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's natural," Higgins continued. "Getting older, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule but is constrained due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "It can harm mental health trying to play every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances since relocating to Dubai. This event is his initial domestic competition this season.

Yet all three seem prepared to stop playing. Like in other sports where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

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

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining failing eyesight, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player won this year's World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the tour. Exemplified by current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, with innate ability rarely seen, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," he said, observing the teen potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "isn't everything."

Yet, he implied in the past that losing streaks help maintain drive.

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

"Perhaps this milestone provides the impetus he requires to show his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"If he won this tournament, or the worlds, it would stun the crowd… Achieving that a historic feat."