🔗 Share this article

When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, for a single 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked global competitors have entered their sixth decade.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan became professionals in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

Yet, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, was considered an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, though, stubbornly refuse fading away. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in world snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, now 68, the primary distinction across eras is psychological.

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

"These three champions have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you activate negative expectations," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and continue performing, disregard your age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," adding: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

The Body

While not physically demanding, winning depends on bodily attributes that typically favor youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows very well.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles for everything: reading, medium distance, far shots," Williams shared recently.

The two-time world champion has contemplated lens replacement surgery delaying it repeatedly, most recently in November, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

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

"All people, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

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

"Yet, even if vision remain fine, bodily factors may fail."

"In time in precision sports, your body fails your mind," Steve noted.

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

"Delivery weight is the critical factor with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

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

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," commented a former champion. "He appears he's 50!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages lately, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, reportedly sustains energy through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to regular exercise, he now admits the weight returned but plans setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That love for snooker must persist," added another expert.

The veteran trio aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

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

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

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "It can harm psychological well-being trying to play all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. This event is his initial home tournament this season.

But none appear ready to stop playing. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why not the others?" said a pundit. "I think they've inspired one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and bad knees yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, rarely have players risen to control the season. This is evident this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed the first 11 events.

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

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

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

Yet, he has suggested in the past that losing streaks fuel his motivation.

Almost two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone provides the impetus he requires to demonstrate his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the worlds, it would stun everyone… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."