🔗 Share this article

When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … not many players can do that".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive isn't limited to mere victory encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of those he admired while competing in this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century means that three of the top six global competitors are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan turned pro over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

However, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, holding the distinction alongside Ronnie for most world championships, claimed his final professional tournament at 36, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, was considered an unexpected result.

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

Mental Strength

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

"I typically faulted my form when losing, rather than adjusting mentally," he explained. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. 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, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger negative expectations," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that he feels "acceptable," noting: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

The Body

Snooker may not be physically demanding, success still relies on bodily attributes usually benefiting youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to prevent aging effects, such as vision decline, which Williams understands intimately.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles constantly: reading, medium distance, far shots," Williams shared recently.

The Welsh player has contemplated lens replacement surgery but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, primarily since he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, explained that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

"All people, after thirty-five, or early forties, experience the eye lens stiffening," she said.

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

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

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

"Your arm fails to execute properly. The first symptom I felt was that 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 and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," said a former champion. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

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

And while Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting spin classes, he now admits the weight returned but plans home gym installation for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect as you older is training. That love for the game must persist," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's normal," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

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

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

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. This event marks his first domestic competition this season.

Yet all three seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I believe they motivate one another."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, a unreliable arm and bad knees yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the tour. Exemplified by current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses exceptional natural talent rarely seen, remembered since his youth on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," noted, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes including a fax machine.

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

However, he implied in the past that droughts help maintain motivation.

Almost two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty could motivate him.

"Who knows this milestone provides the impetus he requires to demonstrate his skill," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would amaze the crowd… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."