🔗 Share this article

When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about Steve Davis decades ago, he remarked "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive isn't limited to mere victory to include setting new standards in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of his heroes and during this week's UK Championship, where he holds records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, for a single player of that age is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked global competitors have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays recently.

However, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in this sport. The seven-time world champion, who shares the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, claimed his final professional tournament at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist fading away. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction across eras lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my technique for failures, rather than retraining my mind," he explained. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have proven that's not true. It's all mental… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach was shaped by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I enjoy this life stage."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be physically demanding, success still relies on physical traits that typically favor youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses constantly: reading, medium distance, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The Welsh player has contemplated lens replacement surgery but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

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

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, or early forties, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

"However our minds adjust to difficulties throughout life, including senior years.

"But, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects may fail."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The initial sign I noticed involved although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Shot strength becomes problematic with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care often stressing the role of diet in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," said an ex-winner. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages recently, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, reportedly sustains energy through extended matches.

And while Higgins shed over three stone recently, crediting spin classes, he now admits he regained it but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

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

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to train consistently".

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

John considered skipping some tournaments yet limited by the ranking system, where major event qualification depends on results in lesser events.

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

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule after moving to Dubai. The UK Championship is his initial home tournament this season.

Yet all three seem prepared to stop playing. Like in other sports where great competitors such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

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

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, a unreliable arm and bad knees yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players emerged to dominate the season. This is evident this season's results, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, who possesses exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on television.

"His stance, you could immediately see," he said, watching the youngster potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

Yet, he implied previously that losing streaks fuel his drive.

It's been nearly two years since his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone provides the impetus he requires to show his skill," said Davis. "Everyone knows his genius, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

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