🔗 Share this article

Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond mere victory to include setting new standards in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

In professional sports, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that multiple top-ranked global competitors have entered their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket became professionals over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist declining. This article examines why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

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

"These three champions have proven that's not true. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that he feels "acceptable," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

The Body

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, winning depends on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands intimately.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated this season.

The two-time world champion considered lens replacement surgery but postponed it repeatedly, most recently in November, primarily since he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, training professionals, explained that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

"All people, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

"But our minds adjust to difficulties throughout life, even into old age.

"But, even if vision isn't the issue, bodily factors could decline."

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

"Your arm fails to execute properly. The first symptom I felt involved although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength becomes problematic and there's no solution. That will occur."

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

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," commented an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates pre-game nutrition, reportedly sustains energy through extended matches.

And while Higgins shed over three stone recently, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits he regained it though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge as you older is training. That passion for snooker needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's normal," John added. "Getting older, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments yet limited by the ranking system, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

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

O'Sullivan, too cut back his European schedule after moving to Dubai. The UK Championship is his initial domestic competition currently.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and knee problems and they still lose."

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

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses exceptional natural talent rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, you could immediately see," he said, watching the youngster potting balls quickly securing rewards including a fax machine.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "aren't crucial."

Yet, he has suggested previously that losing streaks fuel his motivation.

It's been nearly two years since his last ranking title, but Davis believes this birthday might inspire him.

"Perhaps that turning 50 is the spark he requires to demonstrate his skill," said Davis. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."