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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis decades ago, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Now, after three decades, he exceeded the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in this week's UK Championship, where he holds the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that three of the top six global competitors have entered their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. Stephen Hendry, holding the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last ranking event at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, though, stubbornly refuse fading away. Here we explore how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, now 68, the key difference across eras is psychological.

"I typically faulted my technique for failures, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have proven that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach 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, to avoid uncertainty?"

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

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," noting: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

While not an athletic sport, winning depends on bodily attributes that typically favor youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid aging effects, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands intimately.

"It amuses me. I require glasses constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated recently.

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

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, explained that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

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

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

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

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your mind," Steve noted.

"Your arm doesn't perform properly. The first symptom I felt was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength is the critical factor with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance for his success.

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

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, revealing this year he added a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy through extended matches.

And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, crediting spin classes, he currently says the weight returned though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect with age is practice. That passion for snooker must persist," added another expert.

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

"However, I think that's natural," John added. "Getting older, focus changes."

John considered skipping some tournaments but is constrained by the ranking system, where major event qualification rely on performance in smaller competitions.

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

O'Sullivan, too cut back his tournament appearances since relocating to Dubai. This event is his initial domestic competition currently.

But none appear ready to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

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

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "must step up despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player won this year's World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the tour. This is evident current outcomes, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with innate ability rarely seen, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," he said, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

Yet, he has suggested previously that droughts help maintain drive.

It's been nearly two years since his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "We all recognize his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the World Championship, it would stun the crowd… Achieving that a historic feat."