🔗 Share this article

Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he creates new techniques … not many players can do that".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he exceeded the achievements of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, having just one player of that age is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six global competitors are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, also celebrated reaching fifty recently.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. Stephen Hendry, holding the distinction with O'Sullivan for most world championships, claimed his final ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, stubbornly refuse fading away. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the key difference across eras is psychological.

"I typically faulted my technique for failures, rather than adjusting mentally," he stated. "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 was shaped through working with a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"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, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," noting: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

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

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

"I find it funny. I need spectacles constantly: reading, mid-range, far shots," Williams shared recently.

The two-time world champion considered lens replacement surgery delaying it multiple times, most recently in November, mainly because he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, training professionals, noted that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

"All people, by your mid-30s, or early forties, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she said.

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

"But, even if vision remain fine, other physical aspects could decline."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your mind," Davis commented.

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The initial sign I felt was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor with no easy fix. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training paired with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits lately, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates pre-game nutrition, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, attributing it to regular exercise, he currently says he regained it but plans setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

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

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he struggles "to train consistently".

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

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

"It's a balancing act," he said. "It can harm psychological well-being attempting to attend every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. The UK Championship is his initial domestic competition this season.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where great competitors such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they've inspired each other."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "must step up despite my age failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and bad knees and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest World Championship, few competitors emerged to dominate the season. This is evident this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed the first 11 events.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability rarely seen, remembered since his youth on television.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," he said, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "isn't everything."

However, he has suggested previously that losing streaks help maintain drive.

Almost two years since his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark Ronnie needs to show 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 stun everyone… That would be a historic feat."