🔗 Share this article

When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond mere victory to include redefining excellence in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of those he admired while competing in this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, for a single player of that age is impressive enough, yet his half-century signifies that three of the top six global competitors are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan turned pro in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

However, such extended careers are not guaranteed in snooker. Stephen Hendry, holding the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, claimed his final professional tournament in his mid-thirties, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, came as a major surprise.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the key difference between generations lies in mentality.

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

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… 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. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

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

Such advice Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy this life stage."

Physical Condition

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

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid aging effects, such as vision decline, which Williams understands very well.

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

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

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

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

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

"Yet, even if vision remain fine, bodily factors could decline."

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your intentions," Davis commented.

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

"Shot strength becomes problematic and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training paired with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes the role of diet for his success.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," said a former champion. "He appears he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, which he claims sustains energy during long sessions.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight recently, crediting regular exercise, he now admits he regained it but plans home gym installation for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge with age is practice. That passion for snooker needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's normal," John added. "Getting older, priorities shift."

John considered reducing his schedule yet limited by the ranking system, where major event qualification depends on results in lesser events.

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

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

Yet all three appear ready to retire yet. Like in other sports where great competitors such as the tennis icons motivated one another to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it raises the question why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I think they've inspired each other."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the tour. This is evident current outcomes, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses innate ability rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on television.

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

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

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 could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus he requires to show his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would stun everyone… That would be a historic feat."