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Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about Steve Davis in 1990, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition extends beyond mere victory encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he has surpassed the achievements of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that three of the top six global competitors are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan became professionals in 1992, also celebrated their 50th birthdays recently.

Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament in his mid-thirties, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, though, continue to resist declining. Here we explore how three veterans remain competitive in professional snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

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

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, 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."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that he feels "alright," noting: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on physical traits that typically favor younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, yet difficult to prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, something Mark knows very well.

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

The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, most recently in November, primarily since he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, explained that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

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

"But our brains adapt to difficulties continuously, including senior years.

"But, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects could decline."

"Eventually in precision sports, your body fails your intentions," Davis commented.

"Your arm doesn't perform as required. The first symptom I felt involved while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight becomes problematic and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," said an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

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

And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to regular exercise, he currently says the weight returned though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

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

The veteran trio face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he struggles "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's natural," Higgins continued. "Getting older, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule yet limited by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm mental health trying to play all these events."

O'Sullivan, too cut back his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. This event marks his first domestic competition currently.

Yet all three appear ready to stop playing. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons motivated one another to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder 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 younger players "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, a unreliable arm and bad knees yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, few competitors emerged to dominate the tour. This is evident current outcomes, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

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

"His technique, was obvious instantly," noted, watching the youngster potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

However, he has suggested in the past that losing streaks help maintain drive.

It's been nearly two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… That would be a historic feat."