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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.

Now, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, having just one player of that age is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that three of the top six world players have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro over thirty years ago, also celebrated their 50th birthdays this year.

However, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record 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 an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, however, stubbornly refuse fading away. Here we explore how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, now 68, the primary distinction across eras lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my form when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. Everything is psychological… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, 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, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "acceptable," noting: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

The Body

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on bodily attributes that typically favor younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, yet difficult to prevent other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Williams shared this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated lens replacement surgery delaying it multiple times, most recently in November, primarily since he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, explained that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

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

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

"But, even if vision isn't the issue, other physical aspects could decline."

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your arm doesn't perform properly. The first symptom I felt involved while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Shot strength is the critical factor with no easy fix. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care often stressing the role of diet in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," said a former champion. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

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

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, attributing it to regular exercise, he currently says the weight returned though intending home gym installation for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect with age is training. That love for snooker needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he struggles "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's natural," John added. "Getting older, priorities shift."

John considered reducing his schedule but is constrained due to points requirements, where major event qualification rely on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm psychological well-being trying to play all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule after moving to Dubai. The UK Championship marks his first home tournament currently.

But none seem prepared to stop playing. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons motivated one another to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

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

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "need to improve despite my age failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and bad knees yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, few competitors emerged to dominate the tour. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions claimed initial tournaments.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," he said, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes like outdated technology.

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

However, he has suggested in the past that losing streaks fuel his motivation.

Almost two years since his last ranking title, yet legends think turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Perhaps this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"If he won this tournament, or the worlds, it would amaze everyone… That would be an incredible accomplishment."