🔗 Share this article

When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive isn't limited to mere victory to include redefining excellence within snooker.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments 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 celebrates his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, for a single 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, yet his half-century signifies that three of the top six 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 recently.

Yet, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in this sport. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, claimed his final professional tournament in his mid-thirties, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, was considered an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, stubbornly refuse declining. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the key difference between generations lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my technique when losing, rather than adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated that's not true. It's all mental… careers can extend than expected."

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 inquires: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and continue performing, disregard your age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that turning 50 "acceptable," noting: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

The Body

Snooker may not be physically demanding, winning depends on physical traits usually benefiting youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit through running, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands very well.

"It amuses me. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, long distance," Williams shared this season.

The two-time world champion considered lens replacement surgery delaying it multiple times, latest in autumn, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, explained that without conditions such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

"However our brains adapt to difficulties throughout life, even into old age.

"Yet, should eyesight remain fine, bodily factors may fail."

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your mind," Davis commented.

"Your arm doesn't perform as required. The first symptom I felt involved although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Shot strength becomes problematic and there's no solution. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet in his achievements.

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

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, which he claims sustains energy during long sessions.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone recently, crediting regular exercise, he now admits 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," added another expert.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he struggles "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's natural," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments but is constrained by the ranking system, where tournament entries depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he said. "It can harm mental health attempting to attend every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his tournament appearances after moving abroad. The UK Championship marks his first home tournament this season.

But none appear ready to retire yet. Like in other sports 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 can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve despite my age failing eyesight, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

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

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on television.

"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 implied in the past that losing streaks fuel his drive.

Almost two years since a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

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