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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about Steve Davis decades ago, he remarked "he invents shots … few competitors can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive isn't limited to winning matches encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Now, after three decades, he has surpassed the achievements of those he admired and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six world players have entered their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan became professionals in 1992, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, claimed his final ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as a major surprise.

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

The Mind

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction across eras lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my form for failures, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have proven otherwise. It's all mental… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach was shaped by psychiatrist a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger negative expectations," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "alright," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy this life stage."

The Body

While not an athletic sport, winning depends on bodily attributes that typically favor youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit through running, but it's challenging to avoid aging effects, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows intimately.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles constantly: reading, medium distance, far shots," Williams shared this season.

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

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

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, explained that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

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

"But our minds adjust to difficulties continuously, even into old age.

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

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

"Your arm fails to execute as required. The first symptom I felt involved while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight becomes problematic with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with meticulous physical care often stressing the role of diet for his success.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," said an ex-winner. "He appears he's 50!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he incorporates pre-game nutrition, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone recently, crediting spin classes, he now admits he regained it but plans home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect with age is training. That passion for snooker needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's natural," Higgins continued. "As you age, priorities shift."

John considered reducing his schedule yet limited by the ranking system, where tournament entries depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he explained. "Negatively affect psychological well-being attempting to attend every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. This event marks his first domestic competition this season.

Yet all three seem prepared to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why can't they?" said a pundit. "I think they've inspired one another."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player won this year's world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the tour. This is evident current outcomes, where 11 different winners have taken the first 11 events.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on television.

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

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

However, he implied previously that losing streaks help maintain motivation.

Almost two years without his last ranking title, yet legends think this birthday might inspire him.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark he requires to demonstrate his skill," said Davis. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves amazing audiences.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would amaze everyone… That would be a historic feat."