🔗 Share this article

Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol in 1990, his response was "he creates new techniques … not many players possess that ability".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. 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 and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, for a single 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six global competitors are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan became professionals in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

Yet, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, claimed his final professional tournament at 36, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, was considered an unexpected result.

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

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction between generations lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my technique when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he stated. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. It's all mental… careers can extend than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped by psychiatrist a mental coach, their partnership starting over a decade ago. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, 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 turning 50 "acceptable," noting: "I try not to overburden myself … I appreciate where I am."

Physical Condition

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

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, yet difficult to avoid aging effects, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows intimately.

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

The Welsh player considered lens replacement surgery but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, training professionals, noted that without conditions such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"All people, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, experience reduced lens flexibility," she said.

"But our brains adapt to difficulties continuously, including senior years.

"Yet, even if vision isn't the issue, other physical aspects may fail."

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

"Your arm doesn't perform as required. The first symptom I noticed involved although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with careful body management often stressing nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," commented an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina during long sessions.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he currently says he regained it but plans setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect as you older is practice. That passion for snooker must persist," added another expert.

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he struggles "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's normal," Higgins continued. "Getting older, priorities shift."

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

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

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his European schedule since relocating abroad. The UK Championship is his initial domestic competition this season.

But none appear ready to retire yet. Like in other sports where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

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

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest world title, few competitors emerged to dominate the tour. Exemplified by this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, who possesses exceptional natural talent rarely seen, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," he said, observing the teen potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

Yet, he has suggested previously that losing streaks help maintain motivation.

It's been nearly two years without a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire him.

"Perhaps this milestone is the spark he requires to show his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his genius, and he loves amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the worlds, it would amaze the crowd… Achieving that a historic feat."