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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol decades ago, he remarked "he invents shots … few competitors can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Today, after three decades, he exceeded the accomplishments of those he admired and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

At the elite level, having just one 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked global competitors are now in their fifties.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the record alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, claimed his final professional tournament at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist fading away. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in world snooker.

Mental Strength

For Steve Davis, now 68, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I typically faulted my form when losing, rather than adjusting mentally," he explained. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have proven that's not true. It's all mental… 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. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently 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 bodily attributes usually benefiting younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands intimately.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles constantly: reading, medium distance, long distance," Mark stated recently.

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

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, noted that without conditions such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

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

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

"But, should eyesight isn't the issue, other physical aspects may fail."

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

"Your arm fails to execute as required. The initial sign I felt was that although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

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

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

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," said a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he incorporates pre-game nutrition, which he claims sustains energy through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to regular exercise, he now admits he regained it though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

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

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's natural," Higgins continued. "As you age, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule yet limited by the ranking system, where major event qualification rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "Negatively affect mental health attempting to attend all these events."

O'Sullivan, too cut back his tournament appearances after moving abroad. The UK Championship is his initial home tournament this season.

Yet all three appear ready 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.

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

The Lack of Challengers

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

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, rarely have players risen to control the tour. This is evident current outcomes, where 11 different winners have taken the first 11 events.

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

"His technique, was obvious instantly," noted, watching the youngster potting balls quickly securing rewards including a fax machine.

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

However, he implied in the past 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.

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark he requires to show his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

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